Army 18. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions

REFERENCES:

1. Bohren, C.F.; Huffman, D.R.; Absorption and Scattering of Light by Small Particles; Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1983.

2. Huang, Wenjuan, Lin Gan, Huiqiao Li, Ying Ma, and Tianyou Zhai. "2D layered group IIIA metal chalcogenides: synthesis, properties and applications in electronics and optoelectronics." CrystEngComm 18, no. 22 (2016): 3968-3984.

3. Embury, Janon; Maximizing Infrared Extinction Coefficients for Metal Discs, Rods, and Spheres, ECBC-TR-226, Feb 2002, ADA400404, 77 Page(s)

4. Obscurant Applications, S. Johnson, ISN Review, MIT, June 2012.

5. Carvalho, A., Wang, M., Zhu, X., Rodin, A.S., Su, H. Neto, “Phosphorene: from theory to applications”, Nature Reviews Materials 1, 16061, 2016.

6. Chen, Y., Zhang, X., Liu, E., He, C., Shi, C., Li, J., Nash, P., Zhao, N., “Fabrication of in-situ grown graphene reinforced Cu matrix composites”, Scientific Reports 6, 19363, 2016.

KEYWORDS: Graphene, phosphorene, dichalcogenides, composites, infrared obscuration

A18-057

TITLE: Solid State UV Raman Trace Explosive Detector

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE: To develop an ultraviolet (UV) Raman standoff spectroscopic system with an excitation wavelength below 250 nm, and recommended > 230nm. The system shall utilize solid-state laser technology for the excitation source and shall be capable of detecting trace explosive particulates on surfaces at standoff distances of greater than 1 meter with a time-to-detect of a few seconds.

DESCRIPTION: Fielded CBRNE detection capabilities rely on direct contact with or entrapment of the solid sample or the associated trace explosives above the contaminated surface with the sensor. An ideal detector is Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)-compatible with the ability to rapidly scan over surfaces from a few meters away and precisely identify a combination of chemical, biological, and explosives threats, thereby warning personnel who can remain at a safe distance. Such a sensor does not currently exist. Raman spectroscopy is an attractive detection technique because it requires no sample preparation, and gives a high degree of chemical specificity. The use of ultraviolet (UV) excitation provides improved sensitivity over visible or near IR excitation because of the larger cross-sections, along with possible enhancement of the signal intensity if the excitation wavelength is near that of an electronic transition (resonance or pre-resonance Raman). In addition, for excitation wavelengths shorter than 250 nm the fluorescence emission is separated spectrally from the Raman scattered light [1,2]. UV Raman systems have been built to detect and identify bulk, and in some cases, trace level explosive contamination on surfaces at ranges of 10 to over 100 meters sensitivities decreasing with increasing range to the target [3,4]. While showing promise for standoff explosives detection, these systems tend to be large and require high UV laser power. While excimer lasers can provide the requisite power, they require cylinders of toxic gas mixtures, tend to be large and heavy, and do not have the reliability associated with diode-pumped solid-state lasers. The goal of this effort is to design, fabricate and test a UV Raman sensor for the detection and identification of trace explosive residue at ranges of at least 1 meter, based on a solid-state laser excitation source, and compatible with point-scanning from a UGV platform.

PHASE I: Phase I shall develop a conceptual design for the sensor and demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed design. Technical feasibility shall be demonstrated through modeling confirmed by UV Raman measurements made with the objective laser with the required excitation wavelength and required power. Modeling results shall include the maximum achievable scan rates (interrogation area/integration time) enabling detection and identification for the specified surface density. Demonstration of technical feasibility in Phase I is required for a Phase II contract.

PHASE II: Construct, test, and deliver a UV Raman sensor meeting the provided specifications.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: In addition to use for the Department of Defense (DoD) explosive detection, the system has commercialization activity for Chemical or Biological detection and civilian uses for first responders and law enforcement. DoD uses could include sensitive site exploitation, explosives detection, treaty verification and technology upgrades to the Chemical Surface Detector Program. Civilian uses could include identification of illicit drugs, inspection of food and/or hazardous waste containers.

REFERENCES:

1. Erik D. Emmons, Ashish Tripathi, Jason A. Guicheteau, Augustus W. Fountain, III, and Steven D. Christesen, “Ultraviolet Resonance Raman Spectroscopy of Explosives in Solution and the Solid State,” J. Phys. Chem. A 117, 4158-4166 (2013).

2. Steven D. Christesen, Jay Pendell Jones, Joseph M. Lochner, and Aaron M. Hyre, “Ultraviolet Raman Spectra and Cross-Sections of G-series Nerve Agents,” Appl. Spectrosc. 62(10) 1078-1083 (2008).

3. L.C. Pacheco-Londono, W. Ortiz-Rivera, O.M. Primera-Pedrozo, S.P. Hernandez-Rivera. ‘‘Vibrational Spectroscopy Standoff Detection of Explosives’’. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 395(2), 323-335 (2009)

4. Augustus W. Fountain III, Steven D. Christesen, Raphael P. Moon, Jason A. Guicheteau, and Erik, D. Emmons, “Recent Advances and Remaining Challenges for the Spectroscopic Detection of Explosive Threats,” Appl. Spectrosc. 68(8) 795-811 (2014).

KEYWORDS: Raman, Solid State UV Lasers, Explosives, Detection

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: Design and build new instrumentation (hardware and software components) for the comprehensive assessment of self-cleaning coatings and construction materials. Instrumentation shall have the capability to simultaneously assess self-cleaning, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic properties of emerging materials and coatings under environmentally relevant conditions. The overarching goal is to develop new analytical methods which will produce a composite merit score which reflects the intrinsic “value” of emerging materials, which may be used as a point of comparison among different suppliers, composite materials and coatings. This system will be useful in identifying new materials and coatings capable of increasing force protection through the retrofitting of existing structures or in the design of new portable or permanent infrastructure.

DESCRIPTION: This system is needed in support of Department of Defense’s (DoD) force projection and protection strategic focus areas, where the identification and qualification of advanced materials will lead to improved warfighter protection.

A key advancement in the field of sustainable construction has been the implementation of photocatalytic products, due to their ability to abate organic and inorganic surface contaminants, as well as keep surfaces clean. Consequently, a variety of paint, mortar, and concrete infrastructure materials are now available with photocatalytic additives.

In a brief description of the photocatalytic process, light of the appropriate wavelength activates the photocatalyst surface, thereby generating reactive oxygen species which degrade adsorbed contaminants (photocatalytic) and promotes the reorganization of surface hydrogen bonding groups creating a highly water-wetting surface (self-cleaning). Published studies probing these individual phenomena are typically limited in focus and therefore, inadequate to use in developing a comprehensive assessment tool[3-6]. New instrumentation must be capable of simultaneously evaluating surface photocatalytic activity, changes in water wetting characteristics, and antibacterial activity, and allow for dynamic “real-world” conditions where varying aerodynamic shear stresses, spectral distribution and intensity of solar radiation exists.

Self-cleaning and photocatalytic coatings and construction materials continue to surge in their global applications, e.g. the Cowboys Stadium, in Dallas TX; Belgian Road Research Center; “Dives in Misericordia”, Rome and the Milan Marunouchi building, Japan. Remarkable self-cleaning structures have been prepared from high performance concrete containing a TiO2 photocatalyst, where mechanical strength was also enhanced [2]. Emergence of new infrastructure construction materials and coatings has occurred without the synergistic development of assessment tools to evaluate them. Currently we lack a comprehensive understanding and the ability to experimentally and computationally describe competing processes that occur at the surface of photocatalytic construction materials under environmentally relevant (real-world) conditions.

New instrumentation and a well-designed set of “real-world” experiments may enable the creation of a comprehensive model where a holistic assessment and performance prediction for globally emerging photocatalytic construction materials becomes possible. Standard laboratory-based analysis of photochemical materials is conducted through a series of seemingly unrelated and isolated experiments. For example, ISO 22197.1-5 provides procedures to qualify airborne removal of nitric oxide, acetaldehyde, toluene, formaldehyde, and methyl mercaptan. Each of these tests is conducted under a set of precise conditions and discloses that each “method is not suitable for the determination of other performance attributes.” Consequently, to determine a materials activity, efficiency, and cycle-life for several parameters is prohibitively time and labor intensive. A secondary goal lies in leveraging computational algorithms to short-cut the time to a successful predictive tool by filling the free-space within a limited experimental data set to visualize the multi-dimensional terrain of the reaction profile, under dynamic “real-world” environmental conditions. This capability is not currently available and will contribute to the growing needs of security and threat resiliency.

PHASE I: The initial phase will consist of identifying innovative technology, conducting a feasibility investigation, and preparing a preliminary hardware/software design solution. A thorough literature review of the current state of photocatalytic/self-cleaning material characterization tools, as they apply to infrastructure, is required along with a detailed rationale supporting the proposed solution. New instrumentation (hardware and software) must be capable of simultaneously evaluating surface photocatalytic activity, changes in water wetting characteristics, and antibacterial activity, while under dynamic “real-world” conditions where varying aerodynamic shear stresses, spectral distribution and intensity of solar radiation exists. Common organic compounds, bacteria or spores, for which there is literature precedence, may be used to develop and validate the instrumentation and methods.

PHASE II: Phase II involves the construction of an environmental test chamber, which is suitable for simultaneously performing the tests selected for the data matrix: self-cleaning, antimicrobial, and photocatalytic. The evaluation of at least three commercially available photocatalytic construction materials incorporating a photocatalyst and described as self-cleaning is desired. Additional characterization of the materials according to physical characteristics (surface roughness, porosity) and chemical composition (type and concentration of photocatalytic additive) may be required. Delivery of a prototype and demonstration of capabilities is expected at the close of Phase II.

The proposer may leverage the literature available on the photocatalytic degradation of common pollutants and screen a model organic and biologic, while simultaneously monitoring the self-cleaning properties of the material surface using water-contact angle. Typical laboratory studies are performed under sanitized environments, and a fundamental question has evolved among these performance criteria, i.e. what are the environmental correlations among photocatalysis, antimicrobial, and self-cleaning properties. For example, perhaps surface A’s self-cleaning property is not proportional to its photocatalytic activity under increasing relative humidity or contaminant concentration. Any appropriate method, such as Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic models may be used to determine initial degradation rates and equilibrium constants in data collection. The matrix of environmental conditions (RH, spectral intensity from a solar simulator, air flow) should be used to determine if a theoretical model can be derived to predict the outcomes of experimental validation experiments, which were not part of the initial data set.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: A final prototype version of the measurement system will be fabricated based upon extensive testing and evaluation (T&E) by the ERDC-CMB. All software, including source code, will be delivered to ERDC-CMB for potential integration with existing DoD infrastructure. It is anticipated that the new technology will provide the DoD with a greatly enhanced measurement tool capable of rapidly and reliably assessing the performance of photocatalytic materials producing a composite merit score which reflects the intrinsic “value” of emerging materials, specifically concerning their photocatalytic, self-cleaning, and antimicrobial attributes. This new merit score may be used as a point of comparison among different suppliers, composite materials and coatings for the identification of materials and coatings capable of increasing force protection through the retrofitting of existing structures or in the design of new portable or permanent infrastructure. The photocatalytic research community and commercial suppliers are positioned to immediately benefit from the successful implementation and fielding of this equipment. There are often large variations in photocatalytic activity observed in those materials described as self-cleaning. Based upon the obvious broader use and potential for commercial quality assessment, a strong commercial potential is anticipated.

REFERENCES:

1. Maury-Ramirez, A., K. Demeestere, and N. De Belie, Photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticle coatings applied on autoclaved aerated concrete: Effect of weathering on coating physical characteristics and gaseous toluene removal. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2012. 211–212: p. 218-225.

2. Cassar, L., et al., White cement for architectural concrete, possessing photocatalytic properties. 11th Int. Congr. on the Chemistry of Cement, Durban, South Africa, 2003: p. 2012-2021.

3. Jo, W.-K. and C.-H. Yang, Visible-light-induced photocatalysis of low-level methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) using element-doped titanium dioxide. Building and Environment, 2010. 45(4): p. 819-824.

4. Liang, W., J. Li, and Y. Jin, Photo-catalytic degradation of gaseous formaldehyde by TiO2/UV, Ag/TiO2/UV and Ce/TiO2/UV. Building and Environment, 2012. 51: p. 345-350.

5. O'Keeffe, C., et al., Air purification by heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation with multi-doped thin film titanium dioxide. Thin Solid Films, 2013. 537: p. 131-136.

6. Sarantopoulos, C., A.N. Gleizes, and F. Maury, Chemical vapor deposition and characterization of nitrogen doped TiO2 thin films on glass substrates. Thin Solid Films, 2009. 518(4): p. 1299-1303.

KEYWORDS: self-cleaning, coatings, infrastructure, materials, concrete

A18-059

TITLE: Value of Information Tool to Support Military Data Acquisition

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to solicit the development of a value of information (VoI) software tool to prioritize data collection in the face of uncertain environmental and situational conditions. In addition to supporting Department of Defense (DoD) knowledge acquisition, the objective for this tool is to aid the Warfighter in identifying the sources of uncertainty (both environmental and otherwise) that pose the greatest threat to mission success.

DESCRIPTION: The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Warfighter are constantly operating in an environment of uncertainty. Uncertainty can manifest in environmental conditions, adversary characteristics, operational scenarios, etc. Decisions are made to reduce that environmental and situational uncertainty through data collection and analysis. Data collection and analysis are expensive and time-consuming, and can delay mission objectives. Moreover, it is infeasible to perform all data collection and analysis required to completely eliminate the uncertainty in any operation or mission situation. For that reason, prioritization of information gathering is critically important, and occurs at many levels of DoD operations and by the Soldier Warfighter. However, current methods for the prioritization of data collection lack scientifically defensible reasoning, and the most cost-effective courses of action are not always implemented (Keisler et al., 2014). Therefore, there is a need for a general, effective, and user-friendly software tool for identifying the environmental and situational information acquisition strategy that is most cost-effective at reducing uncertainty and increasing the probability of mission success.

Value of information (VoI) analysis is a part of the broader methodology known as decision analysis (Yokota and Thompson, 2004). Current decision analysis software can be used to calculate VoI for single decisions. The solicited product will instead focus VoI as the key output, enabling development of mission-level data acquisition strategies involving a large number of potential data and information sources. This can provide a basis for prioritizing such acquisition efforts to support mission objectives (Bates et al., 2015), while taking into account current information availability and the potential for additional collection and creation of information, in the context of the mission’s decision requirements.

In particular, the purpose of VoI analysis in the context of reducing environmental and situational uncertainty is to provide the greatest risk reduction benefit to the mission with respect to the cost of data acquisition (Linkov et al., 2011).

To meet the needs of DoD, the offeror will develop a VoI software tool to be used for prioritizing data acquisition strategies in situations of uncertainty. This tool should be adaptable to accommodate a varied range of data and challenges. Example applications include reducing uncertainty in environmental quality at installations, understanding relationships between communities and installations, and gathering information about foreign areas of operation for environmental or operational purposes

PHASE I: (Feasibility Study) The offeror will design and develop a general and configurable value of information (VoI) analysis framework that can be applied to many operational and management scenarios with the greatest ease-of-implementation. A hypothetical case study should be developed that illustrates data acquisition strategies that provide the most cost-effective benefit to mission objectives. The offeror will produce an alpha version of the VoI methodology with a typical desktop computing system with Windows operating system to implement the case study. Phase I should result in the data input and results structure needed to develop prototype software, to be refined and extended in Phase II.

PHASE II: (Prototype Delivery) Phase II shall produce a working VoI software beta version fully capable of incorporating the range of data collection alternatives and mission objectives necessary to meet DoD needs. The beta version software program should have an intuitive user interface with flexible application to the range of problems typical for operations and execution of military missions. The success of the Phase II effort should be measured by the ability of the prototype software to effectively execute a relative DoD case study. Moreover, the VoI tool should be applicable to civilian objectives and data collection needs in order to maximize the utility of the project.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Short description indicating possible commercialization (will include both military and civilian applications).

REFERENCES:

1. Bates, M.E., Keisler, J.M., Zussblatt, N.P., Plourde, K.J., Wender, B.A., Linkov, I., 2015. Balancing research and funding using value of information and portfolio tools for nanomaterial risk classification. Nature Nanotechnology 11, 198–203. doi:10.1038/nnano.2015.249

2. Keisler, J.M., Collier, Z.A., Chu, E., Sinatra, N., Linkov, I., 2014. Value of information analysis: the state of application. Environment Systems and Decisions 34, 3–23.

3. Linkov, I., Bates, M.E., Canis, L.J., Seager, T.P., Keisler, J.M., 2011. A decision-directed approach for prioritizing research into the impact of nanomaterials on the environment and human health. Nature Nanotechnology 6, 784–787. doi:10.1038/nnano.2011.163

4. Yokota, F., Thompson, K.M., 2004. Value of information analysis in environmental health risk management decisions: past, present, and future. Risk analysis 24, 635–650.

KEYWORDS: data collection, value of information, decision analysis, situational awareness, mission effectiveness, environmental, optimization

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Biomedical

OBJECTIVE: Army Medicine, MRMC, and the Military Health System requires a persistent, durable non-paper patient transportable tactical combat casualty care documentation capability for transport and transfer of medical care information into the currently fielded Department of Defense electronic health record in the absence of a reliable communications link. This technology would enable the facilitation of medical information exchange, thereby improving clinical outcomes.

DESCRIPTION: The current capabilities for documentation of patient care in the pre-hospital environment by the combat medic (Emergency Medical Technician) is to utilize a paper Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) Card. While paper-based cards offer ease of use and rapid deployability, they also have significant limitations as a form of medical documentation. These limitations include vulnerability to the elements, ease of marring or destruction, and may be lost during patient transfer (Killeen) or rendered illegible by blood or fluids (Garner).

Studies show that the loss of medical information in the pre-hospital environment is significant and trauma patients’ outcomes are directly impacted by failures in communications. Dr. Frank Butler, Chairman, DoD Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care highlighted in the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Update 2009 that less than 10% of the 30,000 casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan had any form of documentation in their records. He also further states that only 1% of the patients have sufficient pre-hospital documentation. This low rate of pre-hospital documentation is alarming when considering studies that highlight that 67% of sentinel events for Trauma patients can be attributed to result of errors in communication (Stahl). This high rate of sentinel events occurred within a single Trauma I Facility which is in direct contrast to the geographically dispersed tactical pre-hospital environment with patient multiple hand-offs.