Army 17. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions

This development will enable inexpensive broadband mobile communications for various army platforms. It will also benefit the commercial mm-wave communications systems such as 5G (fifth generation wireless).

PHASE I: Perform trade study between system size, architecture, operating frequency, operating bandwidth, efficiency enhancement schemes, modulation format, data rate, power consumption, etc. Develop system level model of transmitter based on optimized parameters selected from the trade study. Develop initial circuit implementation of the transmitter system. Phase I should determine the feasibility of developing a transmitter meeting the design specifications mentioned in the description. Specifically, it shall have a saturated output power exceeding 1 Watt; a 10 GHz (or more) operating frequency band with a center frequency of 30 GHz (or higher); state-of-the-art peak and back-off efficiency; ACPR linearity better than 35 dBc at 3 dB back-off from P1dB; and data rate exceeding 5 GB/s. It should also include the design of a proof-of-concept unit, demonstrate the performer's ability to deliver, and address the potential implementation risks. Deliverables shall include quarterly reports, a final report, and complete simulation files and results showing the detailed system performance. In addition, reviews (including onsite) will be conducted by the government team.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the complete integrated mm-wave transmitter presented in phase I. The transmitter should satisfy the requirements described earlier including a saturated output power exceeding 1 Watt; a 10 GHz (or more) operating frequency band with a center frequency of 30 GHz (or higher); state-of-the-art peak and back-off efficiency; ACPR linearity better than 35 dBc at 3 dB back-off from P1dB; and data rate exceeding 5 GB/s. Demonstrate a high-fidelity linear efficient communication link using the developed transmitter. Deliverables shall include quarterly reports, a final report, complete design, layout, and simulation files showing the detailed components and system performance. Deliverables shall also include four completed and tested prototype units with their test results. In addition, reviews (including onsite) will be conducted by the government team.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: It is expected that these transmitters will have applications in wide ranges of wireless communications (and electronic warfare) networks, multi-function radars, and micro autonomous systems. Phase III work will develop distributed re-configurable network architectures to connect many radio nodes. These networked radio nodes can be incorporated into current Army and DoD programs in communications networks and micro autonomous systems integrated with communications, computation and navigation capabilities to enable stealth and collaborative information gathering in adverse and hostile battlefield environments to achieve enhanced situational awareness for the Soldiers. The technology can easily be transitioned for commercial applications, at mm-wave frequencies, where many inexpensive communicating nodes are required such as in 5G communication standards, and wireless gigabit alliance (WiGig) which uses the IEEE 802.11ad WiFi standard. The performer shall map out a transition path towards commercialization. The transition plan should be specific and detailed with clear milestones and goals.

REFERENCES:

1. H. Wang and Kaushik Sengupta, RF and mm-Wave Power Generation in Silicon, 1st edition, Academic Press, Elsevier, Dec. 2015

2. S. C. Cripps, RF Power Amplifiers for Wireless Communications, 2nd edition, Artech House, May 2006

3. A. M. Niknejad and H. Hashemi, mm-Wave Silicon Technology: 60 GHz and Beyond, Springer, 2008

4. A. M. Niknejad, "Siliconization of 60 GHz," IEEE Microwave Magazine, vol. 11, Issue: 1, 2010, pp. 78 - 85

5. M. Abadi, H. Golestaneh, H. Sarbishaei, S. Boumaiza, “Doherty Power Amplifier With Extended Bandwidth and Improved Linearizability Under Carrier-Aggregated Signal Stimuli,” IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters Vol. 26, Issue 5, pp. 358 – 360, 2016

6. H. Hashemi, S. Raman, mm-Wave Silicon Power Amplifiers and Transmitters, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2016

KEYWORDS: mm-wave transmitter; high-efficiency; high-linearity; broadband; frequency agile

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: To design, develop, and demonstrate the feasibility of an efficient and lightweight multi-fuel burner for soldier-borne battery re-charging.

DESCRIPTION: Power systems relying on rechargeable battery operations limit Soldier and platform mobility by the low specific energy density of rechargeable batteries (145-160 W·h/kg). A typical squad leader can carry more than 14 pounds of batteries for a 72-hour mission for an average of 12 Watts with some squad members requiring more than double that amount. Hybridizing hydrocarbon or alcohol-based power sources with rechargeable batteries can provide lighter and longer running power systems than battery-only systems. For example, a 1 kg (dry), 10% efficient power source using JP-8 to produce 25 Watts for 72 hours can achieve a specific energy of 700 W·h/kg, thus reducing the weight compared to a battery by 5 times or extending the mission duration by the same amount.

Energy conversion technologies with minimal friction losses are necessary to convert the heat to electricity in an efficient manner at a scale that would enable a <1 kg (dry) power source weight capable of producing 10-30 Watt (electrical). Current and past programs have largely focused on improving only the thermal-to-electric energy conversion efficiency via thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic energy conversion using non-optimized propane or butane fuel mixtures commonly found in recreational camping stoves and target specific energy densities of 700-1000 W·h/kg for a 72 h mission using temperatures that range from 773K to 1273K. For example, an ongoing propane fueled thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power source project described by Fraas et al. [1] and a review by Bitnar et al. [2] which surveyed efforts of TPV power sources demonstrated using single fuels suggests that a thermal-to-electric conversion efficiency of 15% may be feasible. Overall system efficiencies of 10% were by both Fraas et al. and Bitnar et al. A multi-fuel capability enabling the use of gaseous mixtures and liquids with varying thermodynamic properties and purity as well as optimization of the thermal efficiency can enable a power source capable of operating from logistics sources or from sources procured locally. Previous efforts on logistics fueled or multi-fuel capable burners have focused on large scale heating applications such as portable cooking stoves, water heating [3], or Stirling engine applications all > 1 kW thermal power aimed at heating surfaces much lower than combustion temperatures. Recent breakthroughs in micro- and meso-scale combustion technology, advanced atomization and vaporization techniques for heavy hydrocarbons, and advanced heat exchanger technologies for heat recuperation have the potential to achieve the lightweight, thermally efficient burners required to reduce the weight Soldiers carry for power by 5 times when integrated with efficient thermal-to-electric energy conversion technology.

This program will advance the key enabling technologies and integration solutions to realize a multi-fuel burner capable of heating surfaces in the range of 450K to 1500K with a thermal efficiency >80% and overall system efficiency >10% in extremely small form factors to produce 10-30 Watt (electrical) with a dry system weight <1 kg for a specific energy >600 W·h/kg. The effort shall look to study designs which increase the life of burner materials including catalysts if appropriate, increase efficiency of heat recuperation, improve overall thermal efficiency, minimize soot and coke deposits, and minimize parasitic losses. Fuels of interest include: JP-8, JP-5, diesel, gasoline, higher alcohols (C2+) and biofuels, as well as methanol and propane. The system should be capable of operating on low sulfur (<15 ppm sulfur) fuels at a minimum with the objective of being able to operate on fuels with up to 3000 ppm (wt.) sulfur.

PHASE I: The investigation shall explore combustion concepts, designs and materials of a multi-fuel burner and select the associated thermal-to-electric energy conversion method (e.g. thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic) for a 10-30 Watt (electrical) battery re-charger capable of achieving >600 W·h/kg (including fuel) for 72 hours. The system efficiency and weight assessment including all balance-of-plant components should be completed to determine the predicted specific energy. Identification of key burner components including catalysts (if appropriate), vaporization mechanism, ignition mechanism, and heat recuperation also should be completed. A tradeoff analysis between the burner size, weight, efficiency, and the range of usable fuels should be completed. The range of fuels should include: JP-8, DF-2, and propane at a minimum and additionally light liquids, such as gasoline and higher alcohols (C2+), and heavy liquids, such as other kerosene-based fuels as an objective. The system should be capable of operating on low sulfur (<15 ppm sulfur) fuels at a minimum with the objective of being able to operate on fuels with up to 3000 ppm (wt.) sulfur. Unless the submitting organization has demonstrated thermal-to-electric energy converters (e.g. thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaics) for similar applications, partnering with an appropriate organization is desirable. End of Phase I requires demonstration of critical burner component concepts to determine the feasibility to achieve the targets of the burner.

PHASE II: Fabricate prototype multi-fuel burners based on the phase I design and integrate into thermal-to-electric converters for evaluation. Verification of design targets such as the range of fuels from Phase I, efficiency and weight (consistent with >600 W·h/kg Phase I target), and cost validation. Characterization and evaluation of operational parameters should include ignition power and start up time, tolerance to impurities, and operational lifetime. End of phase 2 requires demonstration of a TRL 4 level multi-fueled thermal-to-electric converter prototype for Army/ARL evaluation as a potential battery re-charger.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Integrate the multi-fuel burner and thermal-to-electric energy converter with all necessary balance-of-plant components to fabricate a standalone prototype battery re-charger. Demonstrate system performance targets such as system efficiency re-charging a Soldier-worn battery, system weight including balance-of-plant, ability to switch between different fuel types including from liquid to gaseous fuels, system lifetime, and cost. Demonstrate a TRL 5 level Soldier portable multi-fuel battery re-charger porotype for Army/ARL evaluation. Develop partnerships with Army Project/Program Offices to enable opportunities for fielding to support future forward area Soldier and tactical platforms. Potential commercial applications for a fuel flexible portable power could include supporting emergency / disaster relief operations and operations in nations lacking a robust power infrastructure. Potential commercial applications for fuel flexible burner could include portable heaters for water or combustion systems in cold climates.

REFERENCES:

1. L. Fraas, L. M., J. Avery, H. She, L. Ferguson, and F. Dogan, "Lightweight Fuel-Fired Thermophotovoltaic Power Supply," EU PVSEC 2015, Hamburg, Germany, 2015

2. B. Bitnar, W. Durisch, and R. Holzner, "Thermophotovoltaics on the move to applications," Applied Energy, Vol. 105, pp. 430-438, 2013

3. C. Welles, " Development of an Advanced Flameless Combustion Heat Source Utilizing Heavy Fuels," Natick Technical Report Natick/TR-10-018, 2010

KEYWORDS: Multi-fuel burner, fuel flexible combustion, thermoelectric, thermophotovoltaic (TPV), micro-combustion, meso-scale combustion, combustion catalyst

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement.

OBJECTIVE: To develop mid wave infrared (MWIR) imaging detectors operating at temperatures greater than 250K utilizing low-cost colloidal quantum dots (CQD) photodiode technology.

DESCRIPTION: Infrared imaging is strategically important technology for information gathering and battlespace awareness; however, the technological advances in the U.S. Military enjoyed over the past is threatened today [1-3]. Existing infrared imaging technologies present cost and production barriers to wide-scale deployment among the infantry. The superiority of the American warfighter is declining due to the proliferation of decades-old thermal imaging technologies. To restore technological superiority of the infantry, higher-performing technologies must be deployed or existing capabilities deployed more widely at the same spending levels; enabled by a new low cost technology.

The gold standard in infrared imaging technology is provided by cryogenically cooled focal plane arrays (FPAs) with photovoltaic absorbers. These FPAs are generally fabricated from two wafers of different materials, one bearing the photovoltaic device junctions and the other containing the readout integrated circuit (ROIC) electronics, which are bonded (hybridized) together in a lengthy and expensive process. The multitude of production steps simultaneously reduces yield and increases labor cost. The need for cryogenic cooling necessitates complicated camera body and optics designs: costs rivaling that of the FPA. In addition, the size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements for cryogenic cooling often limit their use in smaller platforms such as helmet and rifle mounting applications. Due to high cost and low availability, the best thermal imaging technology is often deployed per platform, based on expected mission requirements rather than widely deployed to patrols or individual soldiers for general-purpose use.

Nanomaterials are an emerging class of materials with physical, optical and electrical properties that can be significantly different from their traditional bulk forms, and may exhibit phenomena previously unseen in bulk materials. Semiconductor quantum dots with radii less than the Bohr radius of the bulk (known as quantum dots (QD)) shows quantum confinement in optical and electronic properties. The technology of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) further offers inexpensive, highly-scalable production of infrared imaging FPAs using commodity off-the-shelf (CoTS) ROICs[7], providing a significant cost reduction and increase in availability. Infrared photodetectors made out of CQDs are an emerging technology with the potential to offer high-performance, near background-limited infrared imaging without cooling, providing a significant cost and SWaP benefit [4-6]. Hence, this nanotechnology could provide high-performance infrared imaging to every warfighter which gives full digital capabilities much better than night-vision goggles.

At present, the charge transfer process in this new class of material system is unknown and topic seeks a better understanding of the fundamental transport properties in order to maximize the charge collection process. Primary goal of this SBIR topic is to demonstrate MWIR (spectral band 3 – 5 ¿m) detectors that enable low-cost, large format, high performing CQDs as the absorbing layer. Possible applications of CQD PV image sensors could be for night vision and poor weather imaging for military operations, night driving, target identification, surveillance, fire rescue in smoke-filled environments; industrial applications such as process control, large area temperature monitoring and preventative maintenance; environmental monitoring for pipe leaks, hazardous material spills, automobile exhaust emissions, and the status of high power electrical systems; and non-invasive medical measurements of temperature for tumors and blood flow.

PHASE I: Study and optimize the transport, optical and non-radiative properties of MWIR CQD material and design/fabricate detectors with variable areas. Understand the bulk and surface properties of these detectors by characterizing current versus voltage. Study long term chemical stability, suitable CQD size distribution for MWIR applications, and shell/ligand structures. Demonstrate the concept and feasibility of MWIR (spectral band 3 – 5 microns) based on CQD layer as the absorbing material operating at temperatures greater than 250K which can easily be achieved with existing thermo-electric cooling with one-stage. Demonstrate average quantum efficiency greater than 30% in the 3 - 5 micron spectral range and detectivity D* of greater than 1E10 cm-Hz1/2 per Watt.

PHASE II: Demonstrate MWIR FPAs (spectral band 3 – 5 microns) operating at temperatures greater than 250K based on the novel CQD nanomaterial developed in Phase I, without the need for hybrid bonding to the ROICs. The FPA must be fabricated using available ROICs, and the production process must be scalable to wafer level. Demonstrate noise equivalent temperature difference of less than 50 mK for F/1.0 optics, 300K background photon fluxes and 99% optics transmission. Develop a plan to integrate the FPA technology into a deployable imaging system in Phase III. Show a production plan that meets the cost and numbers requirements for the intended deployment. Provide a cost for performance comparison between systems using the new technology and systems using existing technologies, and a production outline that feasibly delivers the anticipated number of units at the projected cost.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Deliver additional prototype MWIR camera systems using the developed technology in Phase I and II. Evaluate these systems for field survivability, operability and storage conditions. Address any shortcomings to meet military applications and requirements. These may include applications such as helmet mounted, weapon mounted and Tier I&II UAS for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) applications. The MWIR phenomenology is also important for many commercial applications including vehicular advanced driver’s aid system, forest fire monitoring and maritime and perimeter surveillance.

REFERENCES:

1. “Technology Gap Closing, Top Acquisitions Official Warns”, Claudette Roulo, DoD News, Defense Media Activity, Nov. 5, 2014. URL: http://www.defense.gov/News-Article-View/Article/603591

2. “Pentagon: Military Losing Technological Superiority to China”, Jeryl Bier, Weekly Standard, Jan. 29, 2015

3. “EO/IR Sensors”, Military & Aerospace Electronics, Jan 2016

4. J. Phillips, “Evaluation of the fundamental properties of quantum dot infrared detectors”, J. Appl. Phys. 91, 4590 (2002)

5. A. Rogalski, “Insight on quantum dot infrared photodetectors”, Journal of Physics: Conference Series 146, 012030 (2009)

KEYWORDS: Short Wavelength Infrared, MLWIR, Infrared Imaging, Focal Plane Array, FPA, Quantum dots, Colloidal

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop self-regenerative enhanced protection compositions of silicon based ceramic matrix composites exposed to particle laden degraded Engine environments.

DESCRIPTION: Increased power demands from operational Army rotorcraft require higher operating engine gas temperature which in turn needs advanced higher temperature propulsion materials and film cooling. Lightweight silicon-based (e.g. SiC-SiC) ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are leading candidates to replace three times heavier nickel-based superalloys for hot section components used in advanced gas turbine engines generating increased specific power. Increasingly for hot section engine components SiC-SiC CMCs are projected to replace the metallic Ni-based superalloys in current engine upgrades and in future military and commercial jet engines. Unfortunately, exposures of these materials to high temperature combustion environments limit the effectiveness of thermally grown silica scales in providing protection from oxidation and component recession during service. Environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) are therefore necessary to protect the underlying ceramic substrate from environmental attack. Such coatings require good stability in the presence of water vapor, a mechanism for limiting oxygen/water vapor transport and high temperature phase stability. The nature of the silicon-based ceramic recession issue dictates that any EBC system must provide prime reliant performance to ensure full component lifetimes.

A significant challenge for prime reliant EBC systems is the common occurrence of foreign particles in the engine during service. The size and composition of the particles, along with their temperature during interaction with the protective EBC dictates the prevalent damage mechanism to the coating system with molten (i.e. calcia-magnesia-alumina-silicate (CMAS)) and solid particle (i.e. erosion and impact) attack both of high concern. Approaches that can limit or prevent the deposition of molten particles onto the surface of EBC systems and, therefore, prevent thermo-chemical attack of the EBC layers by the molten sand are of high interest as is the ability to heal cracks resulting from solid particle interactions in-situ (i.e. self-healing mechanisms). The approaches designed should not degrade the important properties of EBCs such as thermal, chemical, and water-vapor stability. The approaches may include self-regenerative layered or graded environmental barrier coatings deposited upon functionalized graded CMC bulk material with low thermal conductivity, high thermomechanical strain tolerance and phobic to molten/semi-molten particulate adherence and infiltration. The incorporation of such techniques will significantly enhanced the durability of EBC coated SiC-SiC CMCs leading to an extension of the component lifetime.

PHASE I: Down-select advanced approaches for self-regenerative layered or graded environmental barrier coatings (EBC) bonded to functionally graded CMC material or unique functionally graded bulk CMC material substrate with inherent self-regenerative EBC properties. Assess the feasibility of the proposed approaches to improve the durability of SiC-SiC CMCs in particle containing combustion environments. Proposed techniques should be evaluated on representative SiC or SiC-SiC substrates for hot section gas generator components (nozzle vanes, rotor blades, shrouds) in relevant particle laden engine environment. The hot section CMC component (with the proposed solution consisting of a bonded self-regenerative functionally layered or graded EBC, or comprising of an integrated functionally graded bulk CMC material with inherent self-regenerative EBC properties) should survive a combusted sand and/or salt exposure and water vapor at the feed rate of 1-1.5 gm/min for 3 minutes each for a minimum of 20 hot/cold cycles of steady-state flame temperature of 1400 deg Celsius or higher. The estimated life increase over baseline CMC bulk substrate component should be over 50%.