Department of the navy (don) 17. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions introduction

Recent advances in high-speed digital to analog converter (DAC) technology, wide-band RF solid-state amplifiers, and field programmable gate array technology have enabled unprecedented agility in signal waveforms in both military radar and communications. Radars can now operate across wider bands, transmit at arbitrary intervals, and employ almost infinite combinations of intra-pulse modulation. Software defined signal generators (radar exciters) make available almost any modulation and pulse parameter scheme. This means that, effectively, modern radar emitters may not have a single characteristic waveform or transmission mode that makes them readily identifiable. The problem is only compounded when one considers that, in the modern naval battlespace; multiple simultaneous emitters are the norm.

Modern threat radar will employ increasing levels of signal waveform agility in order to defeat electronic warfare (EW) systems. This is true not only of airborne and surface threat radars but of anti-ship cruise missile seekers as well. Typically, the Navy has relied on signals intelligence to obtain threat radar signal characteristics that are then used to quickly identify the threat in an operational scenario. These emitter library lookup methods can no longer be relied on as a dependable way to classify and identify threats. Modern software defined architectures and field programmable gate array (FPGAs) provide the means to change signal characteristics both before and during an engagement. These devices, combined with high-speed digital to analog converters, solid-state radio frequency amplifier technology, and increased computing power mean the threat radar signals can be programed to vary in frequency, pulse width, pulse repetition rate, and modulation. Electronic warfare receivers therefore need to quickly detect and identify these signal waveforms by classifying them in terms of functional characteristics that allow assessment of threat mission, intent, and threat mode. Fortunately, EW systems also benefit from increased levels of digitization and signal processing power and most upgrades to existing systems will be in the form of software and firmware updates.

Increasingly, “cognitive” techniques are attractive as a more sophisticated (and cost-effective) means to assess and respond to unpredictable conditions. Perhaps the most active and relevant area of cognitive research addresses the need to sense the radio communications spectrum and shift transmitted signals into momentarily unused portions for the band – for example cognitive radio. A similar approach has been proposed for cognitive radar in order to improve the radar’s detection capability. Likewise, cognitive EW techniques have been proposed as the way to deal with the increasing agility and variety of threat radars.

Cognitive EW technique is, in comparison to cognitive radar and radio, an exceedingly difficult and unexplored area. Cognitive radio assumes that the transmitting and receiving units are cooperating and that the problem lies in finding available spectrum in which to operate. Initial concepts for cognitive radar make use of the fact that the radar controls its own emission, which it optimizes as it senses the environment around it. By contrast, cognitive EW must identify emitters that are, at a minimum, uncooperative, or actively employing deception. Consequently, little has been published regarding cognitive EW techniques.

The Navy seeks innovative cognitive EW software techniques for the analysis, classification, and identification of highly agile and potentially wide-band emitters, both pulsed and continuous wave (CW), particularly radar emitters. In this sense, cognition means some combination of understanding, learning, and memory. At a minimum, understanding implies the ability to make correct inferences based on incomplete data. Learning allows refinement of those inferences as more data becomes available in order to first classify the emitter function, then determine the emitter’s intent or purpose, and finally discern the specific emitter type. Memory implies that these new and changing emitter characteristics and patterns are collected, stored, and organized for future reference. Generic techniques are desired. That is, the techniques should be realized as platform-independent algorithms. As this is a largely uncharted field, no figures of merit presently exist to gauge performance. However, processing speed and accuracy of classification are the only quantifiable performance metrics and both are to be optimized accordingly. In order to do so, it is assumed that threat emitter models will also have to be created in order to evaluate cognitive EW algorithm performance. In formulating threat models, the most stressing scenarios should be assumed.

The Phase II effort will likely require secure access, and NAVSEA will process the DD254 to support the contractor for personnel and facility certification for secure access. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work.

PHASE I: The company will define and develop a concept for cognitive Software Algorithms EW techniques for identifying and countering agile threat emitters that meets the technical objectives stated in the topic description. Implicit in this is that the company will also have to develop initial prototype signal sets that emulate threat emitters. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of their concept in meeting Navy needs and will establish that their concept can be feasibly implemented. Feasibility will be established by some combination of initial algorithm testing, analysis, and modeling. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I results and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will produce, deliver, and implement (in software) prototype cognitive Software Algorithms EW techniques for evaluation. Implicit in this is that the company will also develop extensive prototype signal sets that realistically emulate sophisticated threat emitters. Evaluations will be conducted by the company and primarily be accomplished by testing the algorithms against the emulated threat signal sets. However, the Government, at its discretion, may also provide threat signal data for testing. Likewise, the Government may also opt to conduct independent testing at a Government facility at Government expense. Performance of the algorithms will be judged based on accuracy and speed. In order to support testing, the company will produce documentation appropriate for a prototype algorithm release. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy and potential commercial use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the Cognitive Software Algorithms technology to Navy use. The company will further refine finished algorithms, software coded, validated, documented and information assurance (IA) compliant according to the Phase III development plan for evaluation to determine their effectiveness and reliability in an operationally relevant environment. The company will perform test and validation to certify and qualify software components for Navy use. The capability will be implemented in the form of fast, efficient algorithms that, once proven, can be coded in software compatible with the SEWIP Block 2 and 3 versions of the AN/SLQ-32 countermeasures set. The final product will be supported by the company (or under license) and transition to the Government either directly or through prime contractors. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Algorithms for cognitive processing and decision making have increasing application in the area of wireless communication so the core technology potentially has wide application.

REFERENCES:

1. Hattab, Ghaith, and Ibnkahla, Mohamed. "Multiband Spectrum Access: Great Promises for Future Cognitive Radio Networks.” Proc. IEEE 102 March 2014: 282-306.

2. Haykin, Simon. "Cognitive Radar (A Way to the Future).” IEEE Signal Processing Magazine 23 Jan. 2006: 30-40.

3. Zhang, X. and Cui, C. "Signal Detection for Cognitive Radar.” Electronics Letters 49 April 2013: 559-560.

4. Amuru, SaiDhiraj, et al. "Jamming Bandits – A Novel Learning Method for Optimal Jamming.” IEEE Trans. Wireless Comm. 15 April 2016: 2792-2808.

5. Verster, Ryno, and Mishra, Amrit. "Selective Spectrum Sensing: A New Scheme for Efficient Spectrum Sensing for EW and Cognitive Radio Applications.” 2014 IEEE Int. Conf. Electronics, Computing and Communication Technologies (IEEE CONECCT), Bangalore, 6-7 Jan. 2014: 6 pages.

KEYWORDS: Cognitive Techniques for Electronic Warfare; Cognitive Radar; Cognitive Radio; Software Defined Signal Generators; Electronic Warfare Receivers; Emitter Model

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

N171-045

TITLE: Random Anti-Reflective Hydrophobic Textures on Semi-Hemispheric Domes

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Integrated Submarine Imaging System (ISIS)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a process to apply Random Anti-Reflective (RAR) nano-textures to sapphire, spinel, and fused silica semi-hemispheric windows and domes, allowing for a reduction in sun glint.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is developing a new panoramic imaging mast and updating existing masts. These new panoramic imaging masts will have multiple head windows, which will include hyper-hemispheric domes and spherical head windows. The head windows need to be treated to reduce visual vulnerability from sunlight glint. In addition, hydrophobicity is desired to shed water from the head windows. Traditional anti-reflective coatings at best reflect 0.2% of the light and offer no additional benefits such as anti-fouling or water shedding. Random Anti-Reflective (RAR) nano-textures have been shown to have a reflectivity less than 0.05% and can be made to be hydrophobic.

Current fixtures used for the application of RAR nano-textures to curved optical surfaces such as domes or spherical windows do not currently exist. The technical challenge is in the development of an application process to allow for even etching of the textures and for maintaining the durability of the texture over multiple submarine deployment cycles, (durability should be 3-5 years). The RAR nano-textures should have a reflectivity near 0.05%. The Navy will benefit from this innovative technology by reducing vulnerability to detection by sun glint and improving periscope surveillance by using a hydrophobic texture on new and existing periscopes.

PHASE I: Determine feasibility for the selection of an anti-reflective, hydrophobic nano-texture and the development of a conceptual approach to apply this texture to a hyper-hemispherical dome and head windows. The company shall perform analysis showing a reduction in reflective light to around 0.05%. The company shall also perform analysis on the expected durability of the nano-texture, which should be approximately 3-5 years. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will develop a prototype that will demonstrate the texturing process, the application approach, and establish performance of the reduction in reflected light and durability for evaluation. The material and application approach prototype will be evaluated by the company to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II SOW.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. The company will apply the knowledge gained in Phase II to build an advanced model, suitably packaged as defined by Navy requirements. Working with the Navy and applicable Industry partners, the company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the high durability anti-reflective texture technology to Navy use on submarine masts by providing technical support to the system manufacturer and/or integrator over the course of transition. Private Sector Commercial Potential: This technology will have applications where high durability anti-reflective textures are required, such as in commercial optical systems that are exposed to harsh weather.

REFERENCES:

1. Hobbs, Douglas S., et al. "Contamination resistant antireflection nano-textures in fused silica for laser optics." SPIE Laser Damage. International Society for Optics and Photonics, 2013.

2. Chattopadhyay, S., et al. "Anti-reflecting and photonic nanostructures." Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports 69.1 (2010): 1-35.

3. Boden, Stuart A. and Bagnall, Darren M. "Optimization of moth-eye antireflection schemes for silicon solar cells." Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications 18.3 (2010): 195-203.

4. Hobbs, Douglas S. and MacLeod, Bruce D. "Design, fabrication, and measured performance of anti-reflecting surface textures in infrared transmitting materials." Defense and Security. International Society for Optics and Photonics, 2005.

5. Shin, Ju-Hyeon, Han, Kang-Soo, and Lee, Heon. "Anti-reflection and hydrophobic characteristics of M-PDMS based moth-eye nano-patterns on protection glass of photovoltaic systems." Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications 19.3 (2011): 339-344.

KEYWORDS: Nano-texture; anti-reflective; glint reduction; panoramic imaging from submarine masts; optical coatings; photonic nanostructures.

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

N171-046

TITLE: Long Term, Low Voltage Storage of High Power and Energy Dense Batteries

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 320, Electric Ships Office, Power and Energy FNC

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 Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a high power, energy dense storage battery capable of supporting pulse-type loads that can also be stored at low voltage (~0V) for extended periods.

DESCRIPTION: Improvements in distributed lethality and weaponized energy across the Navy will require new high power weapons and sensors. Energy storage systems, possibly in the form of large battery banks to supplement ship electric distribution systems, are increasingly important with the addition of pulse-type loads from directed energy weapons and high energy sensing systems. Energy storage can manifest itself in a myriad of ways; whether as singular solutions to support individual capabilities, as part of a distributed networked power system, or a large-scale stable back-up power source for a ship that could eliminate a large population of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). One limitation of battery based storage systems is the need to store and replace battery modules and the maintenance required to keep spares safely aboard ships, including the cost to design, qualify and certify locations for safe maintenance and storage facilities. A battery that supports high energy, pulse type loads and allows long term, no maintenance storage at low to no-voltage is needed for shipboard applications as it would save in the cost of maintenance, space, and energy usage and reduce costly replacement of failed or deteriorated batteries. It will save time and expertise of sailors in managing and maintaining batteries, as well as reduce the potential hazards of storing such batteries on ships. The battery will need to meet the same high performance specifications before and after a deep discharge to ~0V. This would allow storage of both spent batteries and spares in a completely discharged state to be stored safely and eliminate the need for a Battery Management System (BMS) to manage the batteries’ power while stored. Removing the necessity of BMS for spares would all together reduce the space, weight, power and cooling requirements for storing batteries aboard the ship. This should result in decreasing maintenance throughout the life cycle by 30%, decreasing the space and weight requirements by 20%, and increasing the potential for commonality across platforms and users. Further, for the sailor, there is the added benefit of safely replacing defective battery modules with new spares if they are stored at near zero volts.

The technological challenge of creating a low to zero volt storable battery lies in the fundamental characteristics of a battery. Typically, when a lithium based battery is discharged, a zero state of charge (SOC) is reached above 2V; maintaining a latent charge in the battery. As charge is pulled from the battery, several parts of the battery can deteriorate. First, the anode itself begins to deteriorate at very low voltages. In many cases, the deterioration of an anode can lead to the formation of copper dendrites. These dendrites can cause internal shorts that lead to heating inside the cells; this can be catastrophic as some lithium batteries when heated experience a thermal runaway and can catch fire. Safe battery storage (at~0V) would drastically reduce this potential danger. Second, the solid electrolyte interface (SEI), a thin layer created within the battery between the electrolyte and the anode, will also break down at very low voltages. Degradation within the cell is common when cells go through a deep discharge (low to no voltage) across most lithium-ion chemistries.

In order to maintain optimal performance of a conventional lithium ion battery over time, a 40-80% state of charge (SOC) is required. Additionally, the batteries would need periodic monitoring and intermittent cycling as well as specific storage and maintenance facilities to safely store and monitor the assets. In comparison with lead acid and nickel-based technologies, lithium-based batteries typically have higher energy densities, can perform at higher “C-rates” and are capable of supporting a wide variety of step function and pulse-type loads. Unfortunately, most high-power and high-energy lithium batteries capable of a wide variety of load applications are unable to be stored in a discharged state. While new developments have allowed some lithium batteries to be stored in a discharged state, they are not capable of high charging and discharging rates over the long term without a significant reduction in capacity over time, nor are they capable of lasting more than 500 charge/discharge cycles while preserving their performance.

The Navy seeks innovative “plug and play” low voltage technology that can easily integrate into high power, energy dense batteries that change the traditional battery materials of the anode or cathode, electrolyte or separator material. The prototype design should provide between 10Ah (threshold) and 30Ah (objective), and should show applicability to be utilized with various cell geometries and battery architectures. The capacity of the battery should have a minimum 0.025Ah/g for at least 1000 cycles and capable of continuous 15C charge and 15C discharge rates as well as 35C pulse discharge rates. The battery should perform at these requirements before and after a deep discharge to very low to no voltage. The technology will need to have battery storage capability for at least 6 months at very low (~0) voltage.

Consideration will be given to technologies that provide modifications that could be easily integrated into existing battery technology that would re-characterize a battery to have low-to-no voltage capabilities. Technologies proposed under this effort should not contain precious or hazardous materials, nor require significant deviation from a typical battery system design (such as cells placed in a geometric array and connected in series). The proposed battery shall be designed to meet NAVSEAINST 9310 for safety, MIL-S-901D for shock, MIL-STD-167-1A for vibration, and MIL-STD-810G for transportability.

PHASE I: The company will develop a concept for a high power, energy dense storage battery capable of supporting pulse-type loads that can also be stored at low voltage (~0V) for extended periods that meet the requirements described above. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs and will establish that the concept can be feasibly developed into a useful product for the Navy. Feasibility will be demonstrated on a small cell or cells, which can be stored at very low voltage (~0V) preceding a charging and cycling phase where the cycling phase shows no deterioration in performance. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will address technical risk reduction and provide performance goals and key technical milestones.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the small business will develop and deliver a minimum of five prototypes to the Navy for evaluation. The prototypes will be evaluated to determine their capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II SOW and the Navy requirements for a high power, energy dense storage battery capable of supporting pulse-type loads that can also be stored at low voltage (~0V) for extended periods. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into a design that will meet Navy requirements as cited in the Phase II SOW. The small business will conduct performance integration and risk assessments, and develop a cost benefit analysis and cost estimate for a naval shipboard unit. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Navy and potential commercial use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will support the Navy in evaluating the modules delivered in Phase II. Based on analysis performed during Phase II, the company will recommend test fixtures and methodologies to support environmental, shock, and vibration testing and qualification. The company and the Navy will jointly determine appropriate systems for replacement of current battery cells with the 0V cells developed by this SBIR for operational evaluation, including required safety testing and certification. Working with the Navy and applicable Industry partners, the small business will demonstrate the battery application as an extra power bank on a relevant shipboard system to support directed energy weapons and electronic warfare. The company will provide detailed drawings and specifications, perform an Electrical Safety Device evaluation, and document the final product in a material safety data sheet. Transition opportunities for this technology include battery systems that power directed energy, aircraft carrier electromagnetic launch systems and as ship wide stable backup power systems. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Energy storage systems are widely used in vehicles, utilities and back-up systems. Long term, low voltage energy storage is inherently safer, requires less maintenance and increases the number of applications in comparison with systems that require a constant state of charge, battery monitoring and maintenance systems.