Air force 14. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions



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KEYWORDS: Transistors, OFETs, Biosensors, Human Performance, Flexible Devices

AF141-173 TITLE: High Index of Refraction Materials for Printed Applications


KEY TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials / Processes

OBJECTIVE: Develop ink materials which can be reliably used to create low-loss, high refractive index optical components via techniques compatible with roll-2-roll (R2R) related technologies.



DESCRIPTION: The emerging technologies of print/direct write hold promise to revolutionize the way devices and packages are produced, and have many advantages over current manufacturing methods. Traits including low-cost, ease of design and customization, and flat production costs are just a few of the advantages direct write technologies bring to the table [1]. While the majority of current material development for direct write technologies is focused on developing additive techniques for the production of mechanical / structural parts, there is substantial interest in utilizing these concepts for the production of functional components for electronic and photonic devices as well (a.k.a. opto-electronic devices). This approach has already produced some notable successes, such as in display and solar cell technology, where print technology has greatly simplified production processes, or allowed the use of materials that have not been traditionally used [2, 3]. To date, development efforts for direct write inks have been limited to metal colloidal inks for conductive material fabrication towards electronic and RF operation. These electronic ink materials are available commercially off the shelf and investment strategies exist to enhance the electronic ink material variety and robustness. As data routing and processing demands continue to increase, on-chip photonic components are becoming ever-more critical to integrate with the electronic components to create more versatile opto-electronic devices to adequately meet required data handling rates and other critical metrics such as heat output and robustness [4]. However, there is an unmistakable deficiency of available proven ink materials to fabricate the necessary photonic components in opto-electronic devices.
The objective of this topic is to develop ink materials and associated processes which can be reliably used to create low-loss, high refractive index optical components such as printed high performance waveguides, modulators, infrared sources and detectors via techniques compatible with roll-2-roll related technologies. The components written with the ink materials must ultimately have comparable relevant metrics to lithographically fabricated components. While specific metrics will be unique to the particular components fabricated, examples of such metrics with respective approximate values for optical components are optical loss (< 0.5 dB/cm), high index (n > 1.5), tunable index (0.02 < ?n < 0.50), feature resolutions (< 200 nm), surface roughness (< 10nm), and degree of crystallinity (semi-crystalline or greater). Possible ink materials that could fill this gap are inks made from nanoparticles of traditional high-index materials, such as Si, Ge, GaAs, ZnS, BaTiO3, LiNbO3 as well as high index polymers. The deposited ink should require minimal post-processing after it is printed to attain its desired properties, and characterization of the ink would allow for a known surface energy, thereby ensuring that the ink and substrate can be tailored to each other for optimal printed performance.

PHASE I: Develop, synthesize, and demonstrate an ink that enables roll-2-roll printing of high index optical components via commonly utilized print/direct write manufacturing techniques (e.g. inkjet, gravure, transfer, embossing, aerosol jet printing). A simple printed test pattern of the material shall be demonstrated and characterized.

PHASE II: Fabricate an optical component from the ink developed in Phase I. Characterization of the component will be made and appropriate metrics will be compared to analogous components deposited by standard techniques. Ink processing, post-processing, and additives will be tailored to render it compatible with materials commonly associated with flex hybrid concepts, e.g. flex substrates, electrical components. Development will begin on scaling up ink fabrication.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Possible applications of the developed inks and printed optical components include but are not limited to flexible electro-optic sensors, conformal antennas, energy harvesting devices, and other electro-optic applications. Steps will be taken to commercialize the developed ink(s).

REFERENCES:

1. http://namii.org/.


2. J. Vaillancourt, et al., "All ink-jet-printed carbon nanotube thin-film transistor on a polyimide substrate with an ultrahigh operating frequency of over 5 GHz," Applied Physics Letters, vol. 93, pp. 243301-3, 2008.
3. M. Hedges, "3D Large Area Printed & Organic Electronics via the Aerosol Jet Process," presented at the LOPE-C, 2010.
4. N. Lindenmann, et al., “Photonic wire bonding: a novel concept for chip-scale interconnects”, Optics Express, vol. 20, no. 16, pp. 17667, 2012.
KEYWORDS: Inkjet, Aerosol jet, printed optics, high-index, infrared, photonics, roll-2-roll

AF141-174 TITLE: Computational Tools to Virtually Explore Material's Opportunity Space from the

Designer's Workstation
KEY TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials / Processes

OBJECTIVE: Integrate materials science and engineering (process, microstructure, and performance) model predictions/simulations into industry standard design practice via modification of and/or integration with commercial state of the art finite element codes.

DESCRIPTION: The SBIR will identify options and present solutions to enable moving today's structural design paradigm from the use of materials as fixed design inputs (i.e. lookup table property values tied to existing fixed processes) to actual active variables in structural design (Ref 1). The ultimate vision would be the evolution of design practice to the point that structural design would drive materials requirements and real-time exploration of materials/compositions/processing options that can and will be adjusted in the same vein as the current design community's alteration of shape to accommodate loads requirements (Ref2). The objective of this SBIR is to identify potential solutions and ultimately develop methodologies and software approaches to integrate materials science and engineering (process, microstructure, and performance) model predictions/simulations into commercial finite element design codes as replacements for today's "lookup table" datasets. The SBIR will explore means of integrating with and potential required modifications of existing commercially available finite element analysis software such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, NX Nastran etc. (which are the current standard design tools of the aerospace structural community) in the accomplishment of this task (Ref 3). As necessary, the SBIR will identify and develop (as necessary) high-level methods and computational algorithms to optimize/explore option space by independently triggering materials science models/simulations to explore feasibility space and identify potential solutions from/through the commercial finite element codes. Furthermore, the SBIR must address the Air Force's need to utilize location specific properties that will require process and/or material variation within a single component. The SBIR will develop solutions in a pervasive manner that accommodates most classes of structural materials including, metals, organic matrix composites, ceramics, and ceramic matrix composites.

PHASE I: Research, develop and evaluate concepts for the digital integration of materials and processes beyond fixed lookup tables (i.e. incorporating modeling and simulation) into state of the art finite element structural design tools. Downselect to one approach based upon feedback from government, industry, and market analysis and develop a research and development implementation strategy.

PHASE II: Develop software/modeling and application methodology products to allow designer “reachback” to actively, virtually, explore materials and processes opportunity space through his/her design tools. To validate success, exploration of the methodology’s ability to meet the Air Force's need to utilize location specific properties as well as applicability to accommodate several classes of structural materials will be demonstrated.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Software that integrates the materials and processing computational options space with the designer’s design tools is of inherent value not only to the aerospace community (both military and commercial), but other industries requiring structural design (e.g. heavy equipment, auto, power, etc.).

REFERENCES:

1. National Research Council of the National Academies, Integrated Computational Materials Engineering, A Transformational Discipline for Improved Competitiveness and National Security, The National Academies Press, 2008, pp 92-100.


2. National Research Council of the National Academies, Materials Research to Meet 21st Century Defense Needs, The National Academies Press, June 2003, pp 37-40.
3. McDowell, D.L., “Simulation-Assisted Materials Design for the Concurrent Design of Materials and Products,” JOM, Vol. 59, No. 9, 2007, pp. 21-25.
KEYWORDS: Integration, Integrated, integrated computational materials science, Multi-scale, materials, structural design, design with materials, software, finite element analysis

AF141-175 TITLE: Advanced sub-scale component high temperature multi-axial test capability


KEY TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials / Processes

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to develop an advanced test capability for measuring sub-scale components under aerospace propulsion service environments to include high temperature and loading conditions within a sub-scale spin test environment.

DESCRIPTION: The SBIR will develop an advanced test capability for measuring sub-scale components under propulsion service environments to include high temperature and loading conditions within a sub-scale spin test environment. The capability will capture the complete test environment, including ability to operate under controlled atmospheric conditions to simulate engine operation.
This information is crucial for determining load conditions and mechanical response under actual propulsion environments and will provide critical information for modeling material and component response and for evaluating coating and advanced material behavior prior to full component testing. In addition, the research will develop computational models of material performance for design integration, including the modeling of mechanical properties currently unavailable due to power constraints associated with full spin tests at atmospheric conditions.
Specifically, the test capability will measure multi-axial stress states in metallic components subjected to sub-scale spin tests. Advanced finite element models will be used to verify and validate test results, and to model the mechanical response of test samples. The models will incorporate relevant microstructural features as warranted to provide for optimization of site specific features and graded structures. The resulting information will be provide integrated computational materials science engineering data for component design engineers to utilize in component design optimizations.
In addition, specific loading conditions and environmental stresses associated with test profiles will be translated into optimized sample material features, as validated by the finite element models and test performance.

PHASE I: The phase will baseline the state of the art in multi-axial testing as it applies to capturing material states within spin test environments and actual propulsion systems during operation, and provide test requirements/conditions to mimic proposed engine cycles. It will propose the sub-scale test system and sample configurations along with analytic models required for validation and verification.

PHASE II: The phase will complete the develop and testing of the sub-scale test capability, complete development of the finite element models, verify and validate the microstructure / property models, and provide the integration toolsets for design optimization. In addition, the phase will develop the connections between optimized material features and relevant engine performance that captures current propulsion system operation, including temperatures and atmospheric conditions.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III will invovle optimization of the test systems, development of testing protocols, modeling of stress states within components and adaption of the system for propulsion disks.

REFERENCES:

1. R Boyer, EW Collings, Material Properties Handbook, Titanium Alloys, ASM International (1994).


2. RC Reed, The Superalloys: Fundamentals and Applications, Cambridge (2006).
KEYWORDS: Propulsion, spin-testing, multi-axial-strain

AF141-177 TITLE: Near Real-Time Processing Techniques for Generation of Integrated Data Products


KEY TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Kristina Croake, kristina.croake@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Research and develop real-time processing techniques integrating 3-D ladar and electro-optic for enhanced search and identification. Generate actionable data product for warfighter applications.



DESCRIPTION: The Air Force needs improved real-time imaging and data integration capabilities for targeting pods and turreted systems such as the Northrop Grumman AN/AAQ-28 Litening targeting pod. Multispectral imaging provides the means to find and characterize sensed objects within a relatively large search area. 3-D ladar can provide means for precision geolocation, target background segmentation, and aid in target identification. Integrating 3-D ladar data with multispectral and other sensing phenomenologies currently requires substantial processing capabilities and time. Bandwidth limitations of communications links such as Common Data Link (CDL) further limit the ability to transfer large datasets in real time. A new capability is needed to provide real-time ladar and electro-optical signal processing, data integration, geo-referencing, and product development for both remote and urban datasets.
Geiger Ladar systems collect large data sets which require substantial processing time and are typically processed post flight. Current systems can require processing to collection ratios of two to five to provide a viable data product, which is typically performed post flight. Linear mode systems can experience similar delays when imaging areas larger than the sensor field of view. Overlay of passive imagery or electro-optic imagery requires additional processing and system knowledge to account for image distortions. Registration of ladar data as collected from a moving platform requires sufficient knowledge of system and environmental parameters to perform real-time processing. System characterization should be known in order to sufficiently compensate for system timing issues, boresight errors of laser with receiver, quantify detector noise, and determine detector saturation. Processing methods should correct for image striations, intensity based corrections, feature based transformations, and registration anomalies, including multiple surface returns.
This solicitation seeks the development and demonstration of algorithms and processing methods needed to achieve real-time presentation of collected flight data and information gained by multimodal analysis. The processing methods should be capable of registering data from a small format Geiger or linear mode arrays and rendering in a wide area map. These methods should compensate for the fast quenching of photon-counting detectors, as well as linear-mode detectors. The effort will lead to real-time generation of 3-D information for user display as applicable to warfighter applications. Integration of electro-optic, navigation information, and visible imagery as collected from an aerial fixed wing platform at operational altitudes. Generation of lower density products for transmission is also needed. This effort will improve the processing to collection ratio toward unity and improve near real time (< 1 second response time) generation of data products to a user. Design approaches should investigate pod-hosted processing capabilities implemented as an open architecture solution, providing a data product in a low format to the aircraft display.
The processing methods should follow the product level construct as defined by NGA, where L-1 through L-5 are implemented in an enterprise interoperable manner. The desired performance will address tactical and nontraditional ISR, where tactical applications would provide a near video rate data product representing a target-sized frame to the user. Nontraditional ISR applications would provide imaging of modest sized areas commensurate with the area rate collected by the sensor. The effort will also demonstrate algorithms for georegistration based on typical targeting pod capabilities.
Military applications include manned or unmanned targeting and mapping missions, while commercial applications include mapping for urban development, agriculture, scientific research, or security.

PHASE I: Develop proof of concepts and design approaches meeting the described performance and functionality for generation of data products from a small array photon-counting and/or linear-mode system for warfighter applications as implemented in a targeting pod. Develop a program plan for system designs and integration through Phase III. Develop a commercialization plan.

PHASE II: Develop architecture, algorithms, and processing techniques for processing of data from a laser radar imaging system. Develop a data product demonstrating the near real-time processing capability in a laboratory environment using simulated data. Show expected performance of an embedded system as implemented in a targeting pod using hardware, such as a VPX protocol. Simulated sensor data may be provided.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Develop the processing capability for a specified ladar sensor and perform a ground test with hardware installed in a targeting pod demonstrating the imaging and processing capability.

REFERENCES:

1. Daniel G. Fouche, “Detection and False-Alarm Probabilities for Laser Radars that use Geiger-Mode Detectors,” Applied Optics, Vol. 42 No. 27, September 2003.


2. Community Sensor Model Working Group, “Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Sensor Model Supporting Precise Geopositioning, Version 1.1,” NGA.SIG.0004_1.1, August 2011.
3. R. Craig, Dr. I. Gravseth, Cr. R. Earhart, et al., “Processing 3D Flash LADAR Point Clouds in Real Time for Flight Applications”, Proc. of SPIE, April 2007.
4. Richard Cannata, William Clifton, Steven Blask, Richard Marino, “Obscuration Measurements of Tree Canopy Structure Using a 3D Imaging Ladar System,” Proc. of SPIE 5412, September 2004.
5. A. V. Kanaev, B. J. Daniel, J. G. Newmann, “Object Level HSI-LIDAR Data Fusion for Automated Detection of Difficult Targets,” Optical Society of America, October 2011.
KEYWORDS: lidar target detection, lidar target tracking, lidar, ladar, laser radar data processing, image

AF141-178 TITLE: Topographic/HSI Active Transceiver (TOPHAT)


KEY TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Kristina Croake, kristina.croake@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a NIR-SWIR scanning active hyperspectral imaging (HSI) transceiver system with the required processing technology for day/night operations. Current airborne hyperspectral surveillance NIR-SWIR systems are limited to daytime operations.



DESCRIPTION: Near-infrared-short-wave-infrared (NIR-SWIR) HSI systems measure reflected solar illumination and are limited to daytime use. Broadband laser illuminators (BLIs), combined with a NIR-SWIR HSI scanning receiver would support day and night operations. A BLI allows innovative processing and illumination modes (e.g., laser only, or simultaneous or sequential laser and solar). Existing HSI systems are used for near-nadir wide-area search, but a BLI may allow for long-range cued modes. This topic will develop an HSI active transceiver and processing/calibration methods to demonstrate day/night hyperspectral imaging in the NIR-SWIR at moderate ranges to support future work towards a full-scale, long-range system.
Along with the challenges of developing a high-powered BLI, there are challenges associated with developing an appropriate HSI receiver, scanner, and processing methodology, which is the primary focus of this topic. BLIs produce a spot size that varies with wavelength; additionally, atmospheric turbulence will impact the ground irradiance distribution. The HSI receiver and processing must be able to effectively calibrate/compensate for these artifacts. The transceiver design must be able to coordinate scanning of the receiver and laser. The transceiver shall provide ground coverage rates of 4 to 5k m2/sec (Phase II) (O); and 65 to 75k m2/sec in Phase III (T). System operation should support existing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) concepts of operation (CONOPs). New CONOPs that may be enabled by an active HSI system should be considered.
The system requires spectral response from 1.4 to 1.8 microns (T) to 1.0 to 2.5 microns (exclusive of absorption bands) (O), a nominal spectral resolution of 10nm (T), and a Ground Sample Distance of 1m (T), 0.5m (O). Laser irradiance normal to the line-of-sight shall approximate the irradiance produced by the sun at zenith in the receiver band(s) (T). The system signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) must be sufficient to differentiate between similar spectral targets (T), provide an average SNR of 30 (O) for man-made targets. The system shall provide a day/passive mode of operation (T). Scan accuracy and repeatability shall allow for georegistration of the data cube with topographic data (georegistration need not be demonstrated in a Phase II effort). The design shall provide for a moderate-range and power transceiver for data collection and algorithm development in Phase II and be expandable to a long-range, militarily useful system in a Phase III effort. The system shall meet the thresholds or objectives at a nominal 2 km slant range and operate from 1 to 3 km slant range with degraded performance (T). The 2 km imaging geometry will support tower-to-ground (100-300 foot sensor elevation above ground level) (T), and mountaintop-to-ground (1000-2000 foot sensor elevation above ground level) (O) scenarios. The system shall operate in a moderately turbulent atmospheric environment (Cn2 = 10e-14 (O)). Atmospheric path transmission may be predicted for the Phase II and III efforts using the US Standard atmosphere, mid-latitude summer, 23 km visibility modeling parameters (T). Operation at 5 km visibility is desired (O).


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