| CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
625 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge, MA 02138 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(617) 491-3474
Dr. Ryan Kilgore AF 07-010 Awarded: 01/11/08 |
| Title: | Four-Dimensional User-Defined Spatio-Temporal Enhanced Interface Technologies (FUSE-IT) |
| Abstract: | To effectively control the battlespace, AOC warfighters must rapidly perceive and understand complex geospatial and temporal relationships (e.g., the evolving 3D geometry of SAM-site threat envelopes, the potential for flight path conflicts over mission duration). Advanced 4-dimensional Common Operating Picture (4D COP) technologies are required to better support the cognitive challenges of these efforts. To address this need, we propose to design and demonstrate Four-Dimensional User-Defined Spatio-Temporal Enhanced Interface Technologies (FUSE-IT). FUSE-IT technologies will allow AOC warfighters to rapidly define, explore, and exploit battlespace visualizations that are automatically correlated in time and space. Two major components comprise our approach. First, we will use an iterative, work-centered analysis, design, and evaluation process to identify 4D visualization and interaction methods for the presentation and manipulation of critical battlespace information and meta-information. Second, we will design these methods to support the fusion and display of heterogeneous information resources through a single, rapidly customizable user interface. We will assess the feasibility of our approach by leveraging existing in-house, COTS, and GOTS components to rapidly design and prototype promising FUSE-IT visualization and interaction concepts. We will also design a plan for evaluating these prototypes with subject matter experts in a spiral design and implementation effort. |
| SONALYSTS, INC.
215 Parkway NorthP.O. Box 280 Waterford, CT 06385 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(860) 326-3621
Ms. Margaret Bailey AF 07-010 Awarded: 01/14/08 |
| Title: | User Definable 4-D Common Operating Picture (COP) |
| Abstract: | Sonalysts will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a 4-D Common Operating Picture (COP), the elements of which are user selectable and automatically correlated in time and space. The 4-D COP will allow the user to project forward in time and analyze possible outcomes of pending operations. This research will produce a design for a system that allows the operator at the Air Operations Center (AOC) to view, process, and affect the data needed to complete their tasking. The design for the 4-D COP will draw on Sonalysts' successful gaming engine and Flight TraXT operations control system to link geospatial and temporal perspectives in a coherent way, producing a system that improves AOC functioning. |
| THE DESIGN KNOWLEDGE CO.
3100 Presidential DrSuite 103 Fairborn, OH 45324 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(937) 427-4276
Dr. James McCracken AF 07-010 Awarded: 01/14/08 |
| Title: | User Definable 4-D Common Operating Picture (COP) |
| Abstract: | TDKC proposes adaptation of their STEED environment to the air operations center domain. An existing 3D, 2D, and data visualization capability with service-oriented architecture capability will be re-engineered to provide the 4D COP functionality. |
| INTERSENSE, INC.
36 Crosby DriveSuite 150 Bedford, MA 01730 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(781) 541-7603
Mr. Eric Foxlin AF 07-011 Awarded: 01/11/08 |
| Title: | Participant Tracking in Immersive Training and Aiding Environments |
| Abstract: | Large volume, immersive simulation environments provide a compelling way to train and simulate operational systems. To provide realism to these training scenarios, tracking the absolute location (both position & orientation) of both the player under training and the devices that the player must interact with becomes paramount. In multi-user training environments, each player must also know the absolute locations of the other players for a successful training mission. In immersive Virtual Reality (VR) training with multiple users in a fixed environment, the absolute position and orientation of the head, weapon or virtual handheld devices (i.e. virtual binoculars) are not as important as resolution, latency and weight. For Augmented Reality (AR) training, the position and orientation of the display needs to be tracked accurately relative to the same world coordinate system in which objects in the environment are mapped. We are proposing autonomous tracking solutions that offer a wireless and networkable approach to instrumenting multiple players and devices in an indoor environment with minimal tracking reference infrastructure. Differing from Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) type tracking approaches, the proposed solutions will meet or exceed "AR-type" tracking accuracies of 0.1 degree in angle and 3 mm in position. |
| PROPAGATION RESEARCH ASSOC.
1275 Kennestone CircleSuite 100 Marietta, GA 30066 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(770) 795-8181
Dr. Jim Stagliano AF 07-011 Awarded: 01/22/08 |
| Title: | Training Environment Positioning and Orientation System (TEPOS) |
| Abstract: | Propagation Research Associates, Inc., (PRA)
proposes the Training Environment Positioning and
Orientation System (TEPOS) effort to provide
accurate orientation and position information for
platforms (participants and devices) within an
immersive training environment. Utilizing
waveform diversity, polarimetric antennas, a
distributed receiver system, with PRA's
proprietary waveform processing and PRA's unique
rapid estimation technology, the position and
orientation is determined for multiple platforms
simultaneously in real-time. Leveraging PRA technologies developed under previous SBIR contracts such as the Precision Pulse Positioning System, Precision Orientation System, and its proprietary Orthogonal Polarimetry technology, PRA will design a system that provides accurate position and orientation information of a platform in a completely wireless fashion yet add mere ounces (tens of grams) of mass to the platform. The advantages of this system are highly accurate position and orientation information updated in real-time, completely wireless between platform and imagery generator, each platform is uniquely identified allowing individual tracking in an environment containing many platforms, and mitigation of multipath fading thereby assuring optimum performance. Using commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, PRA will design (Phase I) and ultimately fabricate (Phase II) a low-cost, effective TEPOS technology. |
| TIME DOMAIN CORP.
7057 Old Madison Pike, Suite 250 Huntsville, AL 35806 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(256) 428-6324
Mr. Brandon Dewberry AF 07-011 Awarded: 01/14/08 |
| Title: | Participant Tracking in Immersive Training and Aiding Environments |
| Abstract: | We propose enabling a large-volume immersive simulation environment by fusing Time Domain Corporation's (TDC) ultra wideband (UWB) wireless tracking tag with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and magnetometer sensing. These tracking technologies integrated with a complementary Kalman filter will form the basis for a UWB/Inertial Navigation System (INS). The resulting system will combine the advantages of each technology to provide a tracking system with precise position and attitude sensing over a large, easily expandable measurement volume. Recent advancements in UWB tracking tags and small, low-cost Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) IMUs have provided a unique opportunity. TDC has commercially released a small, lightweight, battery power Real Time Location System (RTLS). Each cell of this system supports a warehouse of up to 2500 wristwatch-sized lightweight tags transmitting at 1Hz and utilizing coin battery power for over 4 years and provides wireless data transfer from the tag to the infrastructure. Integration of inertial sensors for expansion into high fidelity tracking markets is a logical next R&D step. MEMS IMU devices become smaller, more affordable, and more capable of precision attitude measurements. To support accurate position translation they require a synergistic external localization technology such as the TDC RTLS tracking system. A miniature UWB/INS tags will provide the best of both worlds: real-time precision wireless position and orientation with small sensors deployable to track multiple kinematic motions on many people in the tracking area. The Phase I will compare system requirements with the current state of the art capabilities; analyze various architectures and trade-offs for accuracy, distance, size, and power consumptions; develop, test, and evaluate a single fused high-speed RTLS/IMU tag; and provide an integrated system design and plan for follow-on development. The feasibility to be demonstrated is to meet the positioning requirement, tentatively 4cm for accuracy and 2cm RMS for precision that will feed into the development and construction of a testable prototype in Phase II. |
| ADVALUE PHOTONICS, INC.
4585 S. Palo Verde, Suite 405 Tucson, AZ 85714 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(520) 790-5468
Dr. Shibin Jiang AF 07-012 Awarded: 01/11/08 |
| Title: | Terahertz Source and Spectrometer |
| Abstract: | We propose to develop a fiber-based, high power, narrow linewidth, and tunable THz source to implement a novel THz spectroscopy system by leveraging our proprietary fiber laser technology. This proposed high power fiber-based THz source will be generated by using a nonlinear crystal based on difference-frequency generation (DFG) pumped by high power pulsed fiber lasers in MOPA with high repetition rate (quasi-CW), which will reach a high power of ~ 1 W, a widely tuning range of 0.1-7 THz, and a narrow linewidth of 50-100 MHz. This proposal will use an external power cavity to enhance the conversion efficiency of parametric THz generation. The spectral resolution for the proposed THz spectrometer can be better than 200 MHz due to narrow linewidth, frequency accuracy, fine wavelength tuning step, and low phase noise for the proposed fiber-based THz source. |
| ADVANCED ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
27 Industrial Boulevard, Unit E Medford, NY 11763 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(609) 514-0315
Dr. Hans Bluem AF 07-012 Awarded: 01/14/08 |
| Title: | Terahertz Source and Spectrometer |
| Abstract: | High power, high frequency (100 GHz to 7 THz) RF sources can provide revolutionary advances in several militarily significant areas. THz imaging, spectroscopy and communications are important emerging applications. A THz spectrometer making use of a high power, tunable source would provide an invaluable tool for exploring these applications and the effects of THz radiation on biological systems. The goal of this SBIR is to demonstrate such a source, and its use in a spectrometer system. |
| PHYSICAL OPTICS CORP.
Electro-Optics and Holography Division20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg 100 Torrance, CA 90501 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(310) 320-3088
Dr. Baolong Yu AF 07-012 Awarded: 01/08/08 |
| Title: | Tunable Terahertz Source and Spectrometer |
| Abstract: | To address the Air Force need for a terahertz spectroscopy system consisting of a tunable terahertz (THz) source, capable of generating energy from 0.1 to 7 THz with 1 W continuous wave (CW) output power, and a THz spectrometer with better than 200 MHz spectral resolution, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Tunable THz Source and Spectrometer (TUTSS). The proposed TUTSS is based on optical rectification of nonlinear chi^(2) medium for THz emitting and electro-optical sampling for THz detection. The system will offer tunable THz source energy from 0.1 to 7 THz at average power of 1 W CW output, and a spectrometer with spectral resolution of 150 MHz (25% better than the AF requirement). Innovative use of special crystals for the THz emitter and sensor will provide powerful and tunable THz radiation and detection. By varying the phase-matching angles of the THz emitter and sensor, the central frequency of the output THz wave is continuously tuned. In Phase I POC will determine the feasibility of TUTSS by designing and testing a laboratory breadboard prototype. In Phase II POC plans to develop, demonstrate, and validate the operational TUTSS system designed in Phase I. |
| DESIGN INTERACTIVE, INC.
1221 E. Broadway, Suite 110 Oviedo, FL 32765 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(407) 706-0977
Mr. Sven Fuchs AF 07-013 Awarded: 01/28/08 |
| Title: | Integration of Psychophysiological and Performance Measures into an Adaptive Aiding System |
| Abstract: | To meet the challenges imposed on command-and-control environments by next-generation weapons systems and continued reduced manning efforts, we will develop the Proactive Aiding in Command and Control Environments System (PACES) - an automatic agent, informed by real-time data streams from the system, the mission, and the operator's cognitive state. PACES will use dynamic constraint-based task modeling to anticipate future mission state and operator functional state (OFS) ahead of time. An existing workload analysis method will be used to calculate expected operator load for the future task demands anticipated by the model in real-time. Given this information, preventive adaptations of the information display can be dynamically applied to avoid cognitive bottlenecks before they occur. In addition to preventive adaptation, PACES will employ physiological measures, specifically electroencephalogram and eye tracking, to assess the operator's actual cognitive state and mitigate problems in real-time. Physiological measures will provide input to an intelligent Soar architecture to derive OFS indicators and inform PACES when adaptive aiding is needed. The model may further analyze workflow history and operator's physiological and behavioral responses to system events in order to dynamically adjust and improve the predictive modeling component and mitigation strategies. |
| QUANTUM APPLIED SCIENCE & RESEARCH, INC.
5764 Pacific Center BlvdSuite 107 San Diego, CA 92121 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(858) 373-0832
Dr. Robert Matthews AF 07-013 Awarded: 01/15/08 |
| Title: | Integrated Adaptive Aiding System for UAV Control and Related Applications |
| Abstract: | Over the last two years, the proposers have developed both an advanced physiologic state model of operator functional state (OFS) and a human capacity/human performance-based human-in-the-loop model (HITLM) for an Uninhabited Air Vehicle (UAV). The outputs of these two systems are currently combined to produce a numeric measure of current and future operator readiness, but are inherently adaptable to produce other cognitive and performance measures. Under this program we will add to this system a suite of adaptive aiding routines that modify the UCAV operator interface in order to provide the optimum level of information to the operator, and to guide the operator to adopt the optimum cognitive strategies. Candidate aiding approaches will be down-selected based on extensive experimental evidence and our related experience. The existing combined QUASAR physiologic and HITLM outputs and the aiding mitigations will be jointly optimized as a single integrated system. In addition to a state-of-the-art OFS evaluation and prediction capability, the QUASAR team offers a unique wearable sensor interface that has recently been extended to full wireless operation. |
| SPACE HARDWARE OPTIMIZATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.
7200 Highway 150 Greenville, IN 47124 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(812) 923-9591
Mr. Bruce Meador AF 07-014 Awarded: 01/28/08 |
| Title: | Care and Monitoring Evacuation Litter (CAMEL) |
| Abstract: | This proposal contains SHOT's R&D concepts for a "Rapidly Configurable Modular Litter System for use in Aeromedical Transport." The Air Force is currently using the old pole and canvas style litter from pre WWII for aeromedical evacuation. A variety of medical treatment equipment is haphazardly piled on, hanging from, or setting around the litter during transport. SHOT's Care And Monitoring Evacuation Litter (CAMEL) provides an innovative system engineering solution consisting of a barebones, ergonomic, rigid litter and a quick-mate/de-mate Patient Attending Kit (PAK). The CAMEL is a self-contained, structurally stand-alone litter capable of installing directly into a variety of evacuation aircraft and can comfortably transport the patient from the battlefield to stateside. The optional PAK is a modular, scalable treatment facility, utilizing SHOT's proven power management system, along with a consolidated control screen to eliminate redundant systems. The PAK can be customized to meet the patient's changing needs during transport with hot-swappable medical tool suites. Furthermore, all patient data is collected and transferred to a central Nurses' Station for upload in to the TRAC2ES system upon patient arrival. CAMEL provides the most cost-efficient upgrade path for the Air Force's aeromedical transport system with the capability to accommodate future medical equipment. |
| TRIDENT SYSTEMS, INC.
10201 Lee HighwaySuite 300 Fairfax, VA 22030 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(703) 691-7781
Mr. Michael Stoddard AF 07-016 Awarded: 01/15/08 |
| Title: | Architecture Methodology Integration |
| Abstract: | Almost all Air Force information systems are developed using a structured analysis methodology at all levels (i.e. system engineering, software design and code). The result is that the Air Force spends 70% of its software lifecycle costs on maintenance. The Air Force anticipates that it can save millions of dollars in maintenance cost each year by converting the structured-analysis code into object oriented code. Use of existing code converters to accomplish this task results in programs that do not take full advantage of the modular nature of object oriented code and does not achieve the cost reduction. What is required is a methodology and supporting environment that converts the available information at the system engineering level and allows for the traceability within the architecture and down into a new object oriented design from which true object oriented code may be developed and the cost reduction objective realized. A limited approach would be to performa straight mapping from structured analysis elements to object oriented elements. However this approach is not much better than the conversions listed above and is almost guaranteed to miss some important element of the structured model. In this Phase I SBIR Trident Systems proposes to apply its InterchangeSE technology in an effort to produce a more robust and complete object oriented model from structured analysis models. Trident will develop a mapping from the structured analysis model into a common data model based on the international systems engineering standard known as GEIA-927. A mapping will then be developed from the common data model to a new set of data that represents the object oriented model. Structured analysis and object oriented model elements will be considered to exist in different "engineering domains" thus allowing both models to coexist in the repository simultaneously. Traceability will be maintained and manageable between the two data sets. Also Trident will investigate the development of a "template" of relationships between structured and object oriented data so taht checks, and recommendations may be made as to the optimal structure of the object oriented model. Finally, Trident Systems will provide a means to share this data set with a wider DoD community by publishing mdeols and modules created in teh environment to an "Open Architecture Asset Repository". |
| WIZDOM SYSTEMS, INC.
1300 Iroquois AvenueSuite 140 Naperville, IL 60563 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(630) 357-3000
Mr. Steven Kroll AF 07-016 Awarded: 01/15/08 |
| Title: | Architecture Methodology Integration |
| Abstract: | The objective of this research is to develop and demonstrate new architecture methodology constructs for information systems to provide effective translation of structure architectures into object oriented architectures. |
| CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
625 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge, MA 02138 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(617) 491-3474
Dr. Jonathan D. Pfautz AF 07-017 Awarded: 01/17/08 |
| Title: | Distributed Multidimensional Analysis of Battlespace Weather |
| Abstract: | Weather is a critical factor in the success or failure of a wide variety of military operations. Therefore, the ability to accurately predict the weather and efficiently incorporate these predictions into operational planning and execution represents a significant advantage over any adversary. Weather situational awareness is hampered by the size of the data sets, particular as ensemble forecasting methods are used to generate statistical distributions over multiple model runs. To address the need for improved multidimensional weather data storage and access within the military decision making process, we propose to develop Meta-information-Enhanced Multidimensional Meteorological Online Repositories for the net-centric Enterprise (MEMMOR-E). This approach consists of three primary elements. To streamline data storage and dissemination we will design a parameterized approach to wavelet transformations for fusing raw weather data. To decrease the processing burden and speed up the analysis process within end-user applications/services, we will research and experiment with the latest multidimensional data optimization technologies, including coalescing and temporal and spatial cube blocking methods. Finally, we will design and evaluate a process that controls these optimization technologies by assessing the end-user's information and meta-information requirements and correlating those requirements with the data and meta-data available from sources. |
| SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS CO., INC.
500 West Cummings Park - Ste 3000 Woburn, MA 01801 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(781) 933-5355
Mr. Jeffrey Morrison AF 07-017 Awarded: 01/16/08 |
| Title: | A New Approach for Distributed Multidimensional Analysis of Battlespace Weather using Dwarf Technology |
| Abstract: | We propose to leverage our team's critical expertise in weather data acquisition for weather effects modeling and innovative multidimensional database implementation to design a feasible proof-of-concept prototype that will demonstrate a revolutionary concept to improve incorporating weather effects within the air battle management process. Our design will include actual weather data and weather effects models, combined with state-of-the-art Dwarf technology, to generate real-world weather effects and efficacy metrics. Dwarf datacubes are orders of magnitude smaller than tradition datacubes even when they calculate and store every possible grouping aggregation while maintaining 100% precision (lossless). Our design will also accommodate the display of the weather effects using current mission planning system applications to ensure compatibility with the current air battle management process. The efficacy metrics will demonstrate the revolutionary speed, storage, and efficiency improvements due to the application of Dwarf technology to the required weather data, while FalconView will display the actual weather effects as tactical decision aid overlays. Our team consists of SSCI as the prime contractor and Dr. Nick Roussopoulos of Advanced Communication Technology Inc. as the subcontractor. |
| CODESOURCERY, INC.
9978 Granite Point Ct. Granite Bay, CA 95746 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(650) 331-3385
Mr. Jules Bergmann AF 07-018 Awarded: 01/22/08 |
| Title: | Using Next Generation Processors |
| Abstract: | CodeSourcery will analyze homogeneous multicore systems (such as multi-core Intel Xeons), heterogeneous multicore systems (such as the Cell/B.E. processor), and special purpose multicore systems (such as Nvidia and ATI GPUs) to determine which characteristics of these processors determine how to provide high-performance implementations of fundamental mathematical operations such (such as FFTs and matrix multiplication). CodeSourcery will then determine how to modify the open-standard VSIPL++ signal- and image-processing API to take into account these factors to provide highly optimized versions for current and future multi-core systems. In Phase II, CodeSourcery will implement these approaches in Sourcery VSIPL++, CodeSourcery's implementation of the VISPL++ API. |
| IENTERACTIVE RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
16340 Sloan Dr Los Angeles, CA 90049 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(310) 849-7411
Dr. Thomas Y. Yeh AF 07-018 Awarded: 01/17/08 |
| Title: | Using Next Generation Processors |
| Abstract: | The goal of this proposal is to provide better understanding and improve utilization of next generation computational resources for compute intensive systems. In practical terms, this translates to delivering tools to assist in selecting the most appropriate multi-core processor for different target compute problems and applying the appropriate optimizations. Due to the issues of increasing power (power wall), long memory latency (memory wall), and diminishing returns on exploiting instruction level parallelism (ILP wall), the doubling of uniprocessor performance has slowed from 18 months to 5 years. Instead of increasing clock frequency, the current primary method of increasing processor performance is to increase parallelism. Fortunately, Moore's law continues to provide more transistors per chip. All these factors point to the continued scaling of chip multi-processing into the future, where multiple processor cores are placed on-die. The chip multiprocessor (CMP) design space encompasses a wide variety of designs such as small scale homogeneous designs (desktop CPUs), heterogeneous designs (Cell), many-core application specic designs (GPU, PPU, ClearSpeed, SPI), and many-core general purpose designs (Larrabee and Tilera). This shift to multi-core processors comes with new challenges. The wide variety of designs utilizes different ISAs, memory models, programming models, and architectures. Different programming techniques and optimization strategies are required to optimize performance for the same problem across the spectrum of designs. Furthermore, the same application may require multiple implementations in order to compare across different architectures. The challenge from a system design point of view is to select the "optimal" processor design/s for each target problem and apply the appropriate software or system optimizations. One solution is to categorize high performance problems, the CMP architectures, and the available optimization techniques. Then, use this information to obtain optimal mapping of target workload to processor for system design. |
| MAXENTRIC TECHNOLOGIES LLC
2071 Lemoine Avenue Suite 302 Fort Lee, NJ 07024 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(858) 272-8800
Mr. Houman Ghajari AF 07-018 Awarded: 01/17/08 |
| Title: | Using Next Generation Processors |
| Abstract: | Next generation processors attain better performance than existing microprocessors because the abstraction layers better expose the underlying VLSI resources (transistors, wires, pins, ...) and constraints (e.g., wire delay, power, ...). However, the management of these resources and constraints requires the development of more sophisticated hardware and software mechanisms, both to improve efficiency and to ease programmer burden. MaXentric believes the largest advances in the next decade of computer architecture will center around these mechanisms. Our vision is a tool chain of software support that helps the user parallelize applications from choosing the appropriate architecture to analyzing and profiling the application for potential re-organization and improvement. We propose one piece of this chain, codenamed PAMM (Problem-Architecture Mapping for Multi-core) that helps the user select an architecture for a given application and to make optimizations based on that architecture. Phase I efforts will establish a categorization of architectures and high performance problems, benchmark their relationships, and begin the design of the PAMM tool. |
| ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
9971 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(952) 829-5864
Mr. Ryan C. Marotz AF 07-019 Awarded: 01/15/08 |
| Title: | Organically Assured Routing System (OARS) for the Airborne Network |
| Abstract: | The Air Force has identified the need for an assured routing system for the Airborne Network (AN) that will protect the routing infrastructure from security attacks designed to disrupt the operation of the network. Subversion of the network routing function by attackers could be catastrophic for mission-critical applications running on the AN. This is because security attacks on the routing function could propagate misinformation within the routing tables resulting in misrouting of data packets in the network and consequent application failure. Architecture Technology Corporation (ATC) proposes an innovative approach called Organically Assured Routing System (OARS) for implementing an attack-resistant routing infrastructure for the AN environment. The proposed Phase I effort will establish the implementation feasibility of OARS and lay the groundwork for a full-scale prototype (TRL 5 or 6) implementation of the technology in Phase II. |
| INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION, INC.
15400 Calhoun DriveSuite 400 Rockville, MD 20855 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(301) 294-5209
Dr. Julia Deng AF 07-019 Awarded: 01/16/08 |
| Title: | Secure Routing in Airborne Networks |
| Abstract: | The envisioned Airbone Network (AN) is expected to provide seamless connectivity for operators in a large number of applications. All these applications require proper routing security support to establish correct route between communicating platforms in a timely manner. The truth is that not all AN protocols have built-in security, and these protocols are highly vulnerable to various security threats due to the inherent characteristics of ANs. In this proposal, Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI), in collaboration with Prof. Jing Deng at the University of New Orleans proposes an integrated Secure Routing scheme for Airborne Networks (SRAN) in order to provide various security characteristics, such as authentication, confidentiality, integrity and non-repudiation. The proposed SRAN approach exploits existing technologies and makes them more applicable to the dynamic ANs. First, we formulate a two-level routing security mechanism performed at airborne backbone and edge network layer respectively. In both layers, network dynamics are addressed. Second, a set of security mechanisms previously designed for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and stable network (Internet) are extended to the domain of ANs, as we believe the AN shares some similarities with each of them. In particular, several mechanisms to reduce computational and communication overhead are specifically designed. |
| ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
9971 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(952) 829-5864
Dr. Maher N. Kaddoura AF 07-020 Awarded: 01/16/08 |
| Title: | An End-to-end Hybrid IntServ Signaling Platform for Airborne Networks (HISA) |
| Abstract: | Transporting multimedia information over multi-domain heterogeneous and dynamic networks has significant advantages in both the military and civilian arenas. . In order for these networks to be efficiently employed, there needs for methods that can guarantee a minimum level of Quality of Service (QoS) for critical and real time data. This is particularly important for the airborne networks. In order to reserve a specified bandwidth for an application flow between nodes, Integrated Services (IntServ) QoS is needed. However, currently there does not exist a solution that can provide an efficient end-to-end IntServ signaling mechanism across airborne network environments. This is true because of the characteristics of airborne network environments and of IntServ signaling protocols. Architecture Technology Corporation (ATC) will leverage its extensive experience in network technology to develop, evaluate and demonstrate an efficient end-to-end IntServ signaling techniques for airborne network environments. |
| MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS CO., INC.
20 Burlington Mall Road Burlington, MA 01803 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(781) 359-9500
Mr. Wassim Ferzali AF 07-020 Awarded: 01/17/08 |
| Title: | QoS Assured Heterogeneous Airborne Network Technology (QAHANT) |
| Abstract: | Mayflower proposes an Integrated Services (IntServ) QoS technology, the QoS Assured Heterogeneous Airborne Network Technology (QAHANT), to meet the Air Force objectives, namely, to design and develop protocols for providing Integrated Services-model (IntServ) Quality of Service (QoS) in an airborne network composed of heterogeneous network technologies. The proposed QAHANT system uses an open architecture Common Radio Resource Management (CRRM) framework for heterogeneous airborne network operation. The QAHANT reservation function, implemented within this CRRM framework, enables IntServ with minimal signaling overhead. QAHANT protocols are designed to provide reliable reservation in a network whose nodes are widely varying in capability, capable of high dynamics and high-speed mobility. Provision for interoperability with existing QoS protocols such as RSVP enables end-to-end QoS for Global Information Grid, of which airborne network is one component. The proposed QAHANT technology leverages Mayflower's expertise in airborne networking, and builds on technology developed under several SBIR programs and Internal R&D. The QAHANT system, when proven feasible in the Phase I study for the Air Force application, has enormous potential for military and commercial applications. Mayflower will develop a cost effective QAHANT prototype system in Phase I and II, and ensure its commercialization in Phase III and beyond. |
| XPRT SOLUTIONS, INC.
615 HOPE ROAD, BUILDING 3B EATONTOWN, NJ 07724 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(732) 460-9001
Dr. George Elmasry AF 07-020 Awarded: 01/16/08 |
| Title: | Reservation-based Quality of Service (QoS) in an Airborne Network |
| Abstract: | This proposal is to investigate IntServ signaling protocol options suitable to provide reservation-based QoS in an airborne network composed of heterogeneous waveforms. The technical objectives of Phase I are: to investigating potential IntServ signaling protocols Aggregate RSVP with pre-emption RSVP Proxy Measurement-Based Admission Control to establish a simulation environment for analyzing potential algorithms to demonstrate analysis findings using simulation and provide recommendations The primary analysis simulation environment will utilize the OPNET Discrete Event Simulator. All three approaches will utilize the same basic framework, where the airborne backbone network is constructed as a medium fidelity representation, so that different levels of performance can be established, based on input from the Government sponsors. In higher fidelity, each approach will be modeled and analyzed as separate solutions and together as a total end-to-end solution. The results of this study will be used to produce final recommendations and serve as the basis for prototypes developed in Phase II. |
| ORIELLE, LLC
PO Box 8922 Moscow, ID 83843 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(208) 883-3816
Mr. Peter Mills AF 07-025 Awarded: 01/14/08 |
| Title: | Web Services Rapid Application Assistant |
| Abstract: | We propose to develop an intelligent assistant that enables the rapid creation and use of web services for the warfighter. We will design a web services toolbox, and a web-based assistant built on it, that extends public-domain interoperability technologies with capabilities for dynamic web service creation, tagging services and their history with semantic metadata, and browsing and invoking web services using client-side adapters. The assistant will incorporate a responsive JSF/AJAX web-based user-interface that guides novice users in the discovery and use of services. Such a web services rapid application assistant will prove of significant benefit for the warfighter. |
| TRAVERSE TECHNOLOGIES
4 Meadow Sweet Rd West Newbury, MA 01985 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(617) 395-7766
Mr. Joshua Lieberman AF 07-025 Awarded: 01/16/08 |
| Title: | Metadata & Information Tagging Technologies for Application Interoperability and Services |
| Abstract: | Traverse Technologies will develop a WISE Toolbox in the form of an adaptive network of proxy servers, providing an integrating communications overlay, supported by a distributed network of infrastructure servers providing indexing, search, annotation (tagging), and collaboration/workflow support. The functionality will be modeled after search and tagging capabilities now in common use on the world wide web, and will leverage, where possible, existing open source platforms. Capabilities developed under this effort will be made available under open source licenses. |
| ATC - NY
33 Thornwood Drive, Suite 500 Ithaca, NY 14850 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(607) 257-1975
Mr. Daniel Tingstrom AF 07-026 Awarded: 01/15/08 |
| Title: | WIRE - Web service Interface Revision Environment |
| Abstract: | Upgrading a service in a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) can be costly and inefficient. ATC-NY, together with Architecture Technology Corporation, will develop WIRE (Web service Interface Revision Environment), a framework and toolset to efficiently manage version problems in a large distributed network of services. To determine feasibility in Phase I, we will first create versioning support for WSDL, then implement SOAP web services which will use our WSDL versioning scheme, create translation components to translate old requests, and finally create a prototype management system to efficiently launch and manage a large distribution of services. To provide an easy look-up method for requestors, WIRE's toolset will also automatically update UDDI registries with new service versions and URI locations. In Phase I we will focus specifically on SOAP web services using WSDL interface descriptions, but WIRE will be designed to support a wide range of current SOA interfaces. |
| HARMONIA, INC.
1715 Pratt Drive, Suite 2820 Blacksburg, VA 24060 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(540) 951-5900
Dr. Marc Abrams AF 07-026 Awarded: 01/16/08 |
| Title: | Interface Design and Versioning Framework |
| Abstract: | Harmonia Inc., in partnership with Raytheon, will design, prototype, and demonstrate a technical and governance Harmonization Framework (HF) to design and version Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) interfaces. HF addresses a fundamental SOA problem: even though SOA may start with a coherent overall architecture driven by a business case, the coherency can be lost with poor service interface design compounded by erratic version evolution. HF counters with seven innovative components to coordinate the evolution of services providers and clients at design time, but also to allow clients to detect when a service provider makes changes unilaterally at run-time. The seven innovations are: design for extensibility and control via governance; a design decision tool to visually analyze the structure and behavior as well as validate the global impact of design decision points; a coordination protocol by which providers can propose, solicit comment, and roll out services in orderly fashion; registry-based version change notification to communicate changes; fingerprinting to detect when a provider makes a unilateral change; experimental exploration of change impact; and reducing the cost of up-front design for extensibility by providing guaranteed backward versioning compatibility through a chain of adaptors. |
| ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
9971 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(952) 829-5864
Mr. Benjamin L. Burnett AF 07-027 Awarded: 01/15/08 |
| Title: | Reliable Services for Continuity of Operations (ReSCO) |
| Abstract: | ATC will combine the fault tolerance and scalability of an Active Replication system with a dynamic Peer-to-Peer back-end to build a Reliable Services for Continuity of Operations (ReSCO) system. The ReSCO system will provide true dynamic automated application and service mobility while providing fast rollover of live systems. During an attack or disaster when COOP protocols are enacted, the network and the system need to quickly recover and allow for the transfer of critical applications to other sites and locations. By using Active Replication with redundant systems the transfer is nearly instant; allowing users to continue using the system remotely or locally, as needed. The ReSCO system will by built using application and service objects to provide service mobility and transfer, an Active Replication system to coordinate multiple redundant copies of services and applications, and a peer-to-peer back-end which will track and maintain the current state of needed services and handle the discovery and registration of resources to be used for dynamic allocation when needed. |
| SECURBORATION, INC.
695 Sanderling Dr Indialantic, FL 32903 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(850) 313-0177
Mr. Gary Aldrich AF 07-027 Awarded: 01/17/08 |
| Title: | Variable Continuity of Operations/Service-Oriented Architecture (COOP/SOA) Services |
| Abstract: | Continuity of Operations (COOP) has taken on new meaning in the 21st century with threats from terrorism, natural disasters and cyber warfare. The threat also extends beyond key personnel to Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence C4I. Prior to 9/11 COOP was a cold war relic that was focused on maintaining the government after a nuclear strike. Post 9/11 when the realization that terrorists could destroy significant parts of the government/infrastructure in a short space of time COOP took on new meaning and significant. On the natural disaster front, hurricane Katrina exposed the government's inability to maintain operations when the storm devastated New Orleans transportation, communication, power, and financial infrastructure. The cyber warfare threat is best expressed as "China's ambitions extend to crippling an enemy's financial, military and communications capabilities early in a conflict, according to military documents and generals' speeches that are being analyzed by US intelligence officials. Describing what is in effect a new arms race, a Pentagon assessment states that China's military regards offensive computer operations as "critical to seize the initiative" in the first stage of a war."1 The events described above have caused a major shift in the COOP paradigm to focus on C4I systems. Specifically COOP for the Air Force is centered on legacy stove-piped systems which are brittle and difficult to maintain. It's critical that techniques be developed to provide a systematic consistent approach to migrate the Air Force C4I systems to an agile SOA environment that will support COOP to meet the 21st century threats. As stated in the solicitation current (COOPs/SOAs) solutions are complex, inflexible and costly as demonstrated by long delays between failure and full restoration of critical operations. The fundamental issue is the inability for systems to separate out the meaning/importance (semantics) associated with critical processes from the application and physical infrastructure. This semantic separation will ensure critical processes can run on both unlimited bandwidth and constrained bandwidth environments on virtualized infrastructure. The operational process will determine which environment resources will be used based on the selection of the web service that will provide the semantic capability required. |
| KEY BRIDGE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
8000 Towers Crescent DriveSuite 1350 Vienna, VA 22182 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(203) 413-3635
Mr. Jesse Caulfield AF 07-029 Awarded: 01/24/08 |
| Title: | Proactive Determination of Networked Node Vulnerability |
| Abstract: | We propose the development of an open source, modular security software framework into which independently developed 3rd party modules may be loaded to establish, extend and enhance the functionality of the platform. We believe such a framework is unique in the in the marketplace, satisfies large unmet demand and will be well received by the existing information and network security user communities; including Government, commercial, academic and non-commercial users. Our proposed software system is designed to run as a standalone, distributable service yet can be easily embedded into hardened appliances. We employ artificial neural networks, principal component analysis and robust analysis of real-time network traffic flows to profile endpoints and applications and to discover abnormal and anomalous behavior. |
| REAL-TIME INNOVATIONS
3975 Freedom Circle, 6th Floor Santa Clara, CA 95054 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(408) 200-4753
Mr. Joseph Schlesselman AF 07-029 Awarded: 01/17/08 |
| Title: | Proactive Determination of Networked Node Vulnerability |
| Abstract: | Real-Time Innovations (RTI) proposes to develop a proactive capability to scan network nodes for security vulnerabilities. This proposal will incorporate recent developments in Active and Passive network traffic sniffing, node management, Complex Event Processing (CEP), high-performance network data distribution, and data persistence. The proposed Phase I effort will focus on the integration of best-of-class real-time middleware technologies by RTI and its world-leading partners Coral8 CEP and ANTS high-performance database with open-source system monitoring and intrusion detection technologies such as Ganglia and Snort. We intend to provide a working prototype demonstration at the conclusion of Phase I. |
| FETCH TECHNOLOGIES
2041 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 245 El Segundo, CA 90245 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(310) 414-9849
Dr. Steven Minton AF 07-031 Awarded: 01/14/08 |
| Title: | Consolidating Entity Information from Heterogeneous Text Sources for Multi-INT Fusion |
| Abstract: | Machine Learning has proven to be a useful approach for developing entity consolidation systems that can be tuned to a particular domain. However, the accuracy of learning algorithms often suffers in applications where there are "special cases" that learning algorithms systematically misclassify. To address this, we propose a new twist to the machine learning approach to entity consolidation in which a domain expert provides knowledge to the system about special cases. This knowledge enables the system to create models that explicitly handle these types of cases. In a sense, our approach combines the best aspects of machine learning with ideas from the older "rule-based" approach to entity consolidation. The objective is to take advantage of the statistical characteristics of data sets, while making it easy to create commonsense inference models that can utilize these statistics for high accuracy matching. We believe this approach will significantly improve upon the state-of-the-art accuracy of entity consolidation, particularly in applications that involve heterogeneous data, where special cases are more common. This includes applications where entity extractors harvest data from very different types of documents. |
| JANYA, INC.
1408 Sweet Home Road, Suite 1 Amherst, NY 14228 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(716) 565-0401
Dr. Thomas L. Cornell AF 07-031 Awarded: 01/14/08 |
| Title: | Consolidating Entity Information from Heterogeneous Text Sources for Multi-INT Fusion |
| Abstract: | In this project we propose to develop technology for computing the similarity between two Entity Profiles compiled from text sources by an Information Extraction (IE) engine. The similarity computation is based on contextual information from the text and also on the full range of IE results (entity attributes, relationships and events). We identify several types of features across the spectrum between readily extracted but imprecise information and more precise but scarcer information types. A machine learning based classifier is used to integrate similarity measures across these information types into a single output that determines whether the two profiles are about the same entity and should be merged. The resulting similarity measures can be used to implement Name Disambiguation for entity profile merging and also user-initiated searches for entities most similar to a given exemplar. |
| CHARLES RIVER ANALYTICS, INC.
625 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge, MA 02138 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(617) 491-3474
Mr. John T. Langton AF 07-033 Awarded: 01/16/08 |
| Title: | Attack-Centric Autonomic Detector of Insider Adversaries (ACADIA) |
| Abstract: | Most state-of-the-art cyber security systems focus primarily on detecting and remediating external threats and do not address insider attacks. Any user who can log into a network locally or remotely constitutes an insider on that network. Such trusted entities often have access to details of their network's infrastructure and security systems and can easily plan activities to subvert these systems. To address threats from insider adversaries we propose an Attack Centric Autonomic Detector of Insider Adversaries (ACADIA) that prevents insider attacks using multi-layered policy mechanisms, monitors insider activity using statistical and policy-based user modeling, detects insider threats using correlation algorithms, and responds to insider attacks using policy rule enforcement and data forensics via a multi-agent architecture. Our approach consists of a hierarchical collection of Bayesian belief networks (BN) for insider modeling, complex event processing (CEP) and prediction of insider attack; a configuration engine and cyber security architecture to support policy maintenance and accountability; a correlation engine comprised of statistical and BN learning algorithms for insider modeling, monitoring, and anomaly detection; and a network of autonomic agents to execute policy, aggregate network and host-based event data, and perform response and remediation. |
| DISTRIBUTED INFINITY, INC.
1382 Quartz Mountain Drive Larkspur, CO 80118 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(303) 681-3966
Mr. Allen E. Ott AF 07-033 Awarded: 01/17/08 |
| Title: | Advanced Insider Threat Detection and Response |
| Abstract: | Insider threats have become a major issue in the search to secure our military and global infrastructure. Insiders may already have all the relevant information they need to adversely affect the state and response capabilities of our defenses. Concurrently, insiders must be engendered with some measure of trust to effectively perform their duties. This combination of knowledge and capability make the insider threat more insidious and lethal than the generic attacker, who must expend time, energy, and resources to determine network layouts and vulnerabilities, and to gain access to the needed data and process capabilities on the network. Distributed Infinity will combine evolutionary algorithms for insider characterization with game theory for predictive tactical event analysis, and will utilize the Cybercraft environment for sensor data collection. This powerful combination will enable preemptive understanding of potential threat vectors including who is most likely to attack our networks, and how, with sufficient warning to take effective counter-measures. |
| APTIMA, INC.
12 Gill StreetSuite 1400 Woburn, MA 01801 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(781) 496-2467
Dr. Georgiy Levchuk AF 07-034 Awarded: 01/16/08 |
| Title: | Monitoring MIssion MODels for Increased Mission Understanding (MIMOD) |
| Abstract: | Effects-based operations and mission-driven network management are becoming increasingly focused on leveraging "Command Intent." Arguably, the workflow of personnel can be linked to command intent, either by deriving command intent from the behaviors of personnel during missions, or evaluating workflow within the context of prescribed command intent. Although considering command intent within the context of missions is imperative, it is not easy to accomplish, as command intent and workflow are difficult to describe and require great effort to capture manually. Therefore, we identify the need for a system that passively monitors and models an individual's workflow. The purpose of this phase I effort, MIMOD (Monitoring MIssion MODels for increased Mission Understanding), is to develop a proof of concept application that will passively examine users' observable behaviors at their work stations (keystrokes, usage of resources, etc.) to create mission models of how they do their job. We plan to use a hierarchical, context driven, hypothesis testing approach to gathering data and constructing of the MIMOD models. These models will then be presented to the users in an effort to improve processes. The operators will also be able to augment their constructed mission model or comparison models when needed. |
| MILCORD LLC
1050 Winter StreetSuite 1000 Waltham, MA 02451 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(781) 839-7138
Dr. Alper Caglayan AF 07-034 Awarded: 01/16/08 |
| Title: | Commander's Learning Agent (CLearn) |
| Abstract: | Traditional decision aid software requires the manual input of commander's intent in the field, which is impractical as it requires an excessive amount of time to learn the various facets of the commander's job, and requires an unrealistic adaptation capability as the commander's mission changes dynamically in the field. Hence, there is a need to automatically capture the commander's current mission, augment with contextual knowledge, and assign priorities to resources supporting the commander's mission. Technically, this problem falls into the domain of interface agents with learning capability where the agent sits in between the user and application User Interface, passively monitors user behavior in the background, applies machine learning to discover the patterns in the background, and offers to assist the user in the real-time inference mode. Here we propose to develop Commander's Learning Agent (CLearn) that leverages an existing hybrid Belief network and rule base knowledge management architecture, and prior experience in building such desktop learning agents, and server-based Web personalization agents. While CLearn is relevant to many applications, including information security management, we describe our approach in the context of Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace support for planning, operations, and assessment missions in Air and Space Operation Centers. |
| CALDERA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
3491 Trinity Drive, Suite B Los Alamos, NM 87544 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(505) 412-2345
Dr. Benjamin Warner AF 07-035 Awarded: 01/15/08 |
| Title: | Biomolecular Taggants for Covert Tracking and Watermarking |
| Abstract: | Caldera will use its R&D 100 award-winning XRpro technologyto develop functional biomolecular taggants for Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear/Explosive (CBRNE) targets. These taggants will possess functionality which will allow networks of interpersonal connections and travel to be determined, and will allow CBRNE MASINT to be tracked at a distance. Main features of these synthetic protein taggants are selectivity and affinity for CBRNE signature molecules and biomolecules, and optical reporting functionality. |
| INFOSCITEX CORP.
303 Bear Hill Road Waltham, MA 02451 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(781) 890-1338
Ms. Heather Kauth AF 07-035 Awarded: 01/17/08 |
| Title: | Biomolecular Taggants for Covert Tracking and Watermarking |
| Abstract: | Tracking of nuclear materials, military ordnance, and chemical and biological threat agents presents a significant challenge to the intelligence and military communities. The proliferation of non-tracked, illegally trafficked nuclear materials in particular has sparked considerable debate and is a cause for concern on the international stage. An effective system must be covert and ubiquitous; while encoding complex interaction information and supplying distinct identification of individual materials and material lots. In this Phase I SBIR proposal, Infoscitex proposes the use of a synthetic DNA-based taggant entrapped in a sol-gel material with attributes allowing for covert and secure labeling. This proposed material can be created using a combination of current technologies integrated into a novel detection and labeling system that is robust and covert. |
| MATERIAL INNOVATIONS, INC.
15801 Chemical Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92649 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(714) 373-3070
Mr. Chuck Thaw AF 07-037 Awarded: 12/20/07 |
| Title: | Novel High Power Microwave (HPM) Hardening Materials for Aircraft, Ground, & Space Systems |
| Abstract: | An affordable conformal coating technology that provides broad band electromagnetic immunity through high EMI shielding effectiveness and low electrical faying resistance will be developed for sensitive avionics enclosures, and for shelters. The coating chemistry and application procedure will insure for simplicity with a scalable dispensation process that is production friendly. The conformal shielding coating will exhibit an average shielding effectiveness greater than 60 db over a 100 MHz to over 20 GHz range with attenuation levels greatly exceeding 80db at specific frequency spectra. The solution will leverage from current particulate coating developments at MII combined with the inclusion of nano-based metallic fillers. The synergistic effect of tailoring particulate morphology combined with interstitial nano-filling results in a coating system that is tunable to specific system needs. This has been demonstrated through preliminary shielding effectiveness tests and cursory environmental testing. This program will further develop this technology and refine performance to meet specific DoD system requirements. Analysis combined with laboratory measurements will be used for optimization. Application technologies will focus on spray deposition, demonstration of dip processing, and integration with prepreg composite lamina as alternative approaches. Phase 1 will develop performance data that will establish the production path carried into Phase 2. |
| METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES CO.
P.O. Box 356 Midway, UT 84049 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(435) 654-3683
Mr. George Hansen AF 07-037 Awarded: 01/04/08 |
| Title: | Advances in High Power Microwave (HPM) Hardening Materials |
| Abstract: | A class of conformal coatings, composites and elastomers capable of shielding high power microwaves (HPM) is proposed. Based on nickel nanostrand technology, these coatings, composites and elastomers will extend both the frequency breadth and decibel depth of protection against HPM and other electromagnetic interference phenomena. |
| DIRECTED VAPOR TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
2 Boar's Head Lane Charlottesville, VA 22903 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(434) 977-1405
Dr. Derek D. Hass AF 07-038 Awarded: 01/07/08 |
| Title: | Surface Processing for Enhanced Environmental and Creep-Fatigue Resistance |
| Abstract: | The ongoing drive to increase the performance and efficiency of propulsion systems has led to increasingly severe operating environments, particularly for the components in the hot sections of turbine engines. One potential life-limiting area of future engines is the turbine disk where significant dwell fatigue may occur if engine temperatures are elevated. The mechanism for this reduction is not fully clear but is related to effects of grain boundary creep and surface oxidation / corrosion. The study proposed here will seek to develop advanced surface chemistry and modification techniques for the nickel-base superalloys used for turbine disks to limit dwell fatigue damage and promote higher operating temperatures in the engine. Key factors that will be studied include: (i) computational approaches to designing novel coating compositions that exhibit minimal interdiffusion and hence excellent compatibility with the substrate owing to chemical activity matching; (ii) the deposition, oxidation and compatibility testing of selected compositions; and (iii) the deposition of selected coated systems. Preliminary mechanical testing of the coated systems will be carried out. A targeted significant outcome of this study is the establishment of novel and cost-effective surface modifications that confer greatly improved component reliability and durability. |
| NANOSONIC, INC.
P.O. Box 618 Christiansburg, VA 24068 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(540) 953-1785
Dr. J. H. Lalli AF 07-039 Awarded: 01/07/08 |
| Title: | Highly Deformable Electrically Self-Healing Metal RubberT Skins for Morphing UAVs |
| Abstract: | NanoSonic has developed Metal RubberT, a highly electrically conductive nanocomposite with tailored surface resistivity (as low as 0.2 /) that can be repeatedly strained to greater than 1000% while maintaining electromagnetic integrity. Unlike typical dense, brittle nanocomposites that require up to 80 volume % filler; NanoSonic employs an elegant layered processing technique to achieve electrical percolation with <0.01 volume % of non-oxidizing metal nanoparticles. Lightweight (0.98g/cc) Metal RubberT is not a conducting polymer or a sputter coated polymer film, rather a free standing nanocomposite formed in-situ by chemically reacting monolayers of well defined electrically conductive nanostructured constituents with high performance copolymers. Durable elastomeric materials are realized; providing stable electrical conductivity over a wide dynamic thermomechanical range, currently from -60øC through 350øC, and in the presence of UV and ozone. Metal RubberT deformable skins are envisioned as a unique enabling technology allowing morphing unmanned aerial vehicles to maintain stable electromagnetic properties under disparate vehicle configurations. The nanostructured yet macroscale skins are currently available as free standing appliqu‚s (up to 2'x8') or as conformal coatings on aircraft structures. NanoSonic would work with a major defense prime on performance metrics and materials property evaluation to increase the TRL of Metal RubberT deformable skins. |
| UES, INC.
4401 Dayton-Xenia Road Dayton, OH 45432 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(937) 426-6900
Dr. HeeDong Lee AF 07-041 Awarded: 12/21/07 |
| Title: | Advanced Ultra-Lightweight Hybrid/Composite Mirrors (ULHCMs) |
| Abstract: | This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I program seeks to develop a new fabrication technology for producing an ultra-light hybrid mirror for space applications. The state-of-the art space mirrors made of glass and SiC are costly to produce. The areal density of the glass and SiC mirrors also do not meet the ULHCM concepts that require 1 to 5 kg/m2 of areal density. An innovative new process is needed to address these current issues. During the Phase I period, UES proposes to use a novel fabrication process to produce a space quality hybrid mirror. Substrate and laminate mirror facesheets (4-6 inch diameter) will be integrated by applying an inorganic adhesive. In the Phase II program, we will fabricate a large-sized mirror that is mechanically and chemically very stable, and shows an outstanding mirror quality that can minimize the loss of the needed optical properties. |
| SRICO, INC.
2724 SAWBURY BOULEVARD COLUMBUS, OH 43235 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(614) 799-0664
Dr. Vincent Stenger AF 07-042 Awarded: 01/08/08 |
| Title: | Ion-Sliced Lithium Tantalate for Terahertz Radiation Detection |
| Abstract: | Terahertz radiation occupies a largely unexploited band from 100 GHz radio frequency to 30 THz infrared. It is capable of penetrating fog and moderate density objects such as wood and fabric at substantially higher resolutions and shorter ranges than radar. THz imaging can be used to screen passers-by for weapons without the safety issues of X-rays. Using spectroscopic techniques, THz radiation can be used for stand-off detection and imaging of suspicious materials or chemicals. These features make THz technology ideal for both the soldier in the field and for continuous surveillance applications such as airport security. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project addresses the need for THz detectors that are compact and that operate efficiently at room temperature. The proposed technology employs novel materials processes to realize room temperature pyroelectric THz detector devices that are at least one hundred times more sensitive than commercially available devices. The technology is highly amenable to monolithic linear and two dimensional arrays for spectroscopic and imaging applications. Deployment of these newly developed detector devices would result in cost effective implementation of a large number of important industrial, medical and defense applications that could benefit from terahertz radiation technologies. |
| VIRGINIA DIODES, INC.
979 Second Street SE, Suite 309 Charlottesville, VA 22902 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(434) 297-3257
Dr. Thomas W. Crowe AF 07-042 Awarded: 01/07/08 |
| Title: | Materials for Terahertz Detectors |
| Abstract: | VDI's goal is to use new materials and processing techniques to achieve low barrier diodes that can be used as very sensitive zero-bias detectors and frequency mixers with extremely low local oscillator power requirements. The basic device goals, in terms of the materials study, are to achieve a controlled Schottky barrier height and reduced 1/f noise. The reduced barrier height will be controlled through the optimization of the alloy content of the semiconductor and the use of novel doping profiles. Advanced materials processing techniques will be used to reduce the 1/f noise. Through the successful conclusion of this effort VDI will achieve reductions in both the low-signal NEP and 1/f noise of state-of-the-art terahertz detectors and a fundamental reduction in the size and complexity of terahertz heterodyne receivers through the minimization of the LO power requirement. |
| TREX ENTERPRISES CORP.
10455 Pacific Center Court San Diego, CA 92121 | |
| Phone:
PI: Topic#: |
(858) 646-5427
Mr. Paul Johnson AF 07-043 Awarded: 01/07/08 |
| Title: | Hi-Def Low Light Detector |
| Abstract: | Trex's Photodiode on Active Pixel (POAP) image sensor technology provides high light collection efficiency (QE x Fill Factor) without the need for microlenses on a CMOS image sensor. This technology is particularly amenable to the fabrication of high sensitivity sensors that are capable of withstanding intense optical signals and countermeasures. The planar surface of the device allows for a good optical match with overlaid non-linear absorber material, and a high percentage of metallized surface area of the CMOS Read-out IC provides protection to the underlying circuitry for light that may get through any overlaid absorber. We propose to examine the POAP image sensor technology for susceptibility to optical countermeasures. |