We propose to develop a remotely deliverable tagging device for both marking and tracking personnel, material, and vehicles. The approach is based on a new radiolocation technique we have developed, which is capable of highly accurate location determination using simple tag electronics. The research goals are to determine how small the device can be made using current electronic and battery technology, to identify delivery techniques capable of deploying the tag from a distance of 50 meters or more, to design low-cost portable base stations for receiving tag signals and determining location, and to study techniques to enhance performance in urban multipath.The system intelligence is contained in low-cost portable receiving/tracking stations that can track the target either stand-alone or collaboratively, as needed. The proposed system will be a major enhancement over our technology developed for applications such as locating patients with Alzheimer's disease and tracking cargo. In previous research the receiver stations were fixed 5 miles apart, and the tag, which did not need to be concealed, was too large for the application proposed here.In Phase II we plan the to implement the miniaturized tag, to refine the delivery concept, and to follow up with field testing with prototype receiving stations. The proposed technology would allow covert tracking and locating of people and valuable material or cargo with high accuracy. It has applications in less-than-lethal warfare and monitoring and locating stolen weapons, tracking cargo and packages, and locating stolen goods. Oceantek proposes to develop and validate a numerical tool to incorporate into existing software systems that will allow the user to compute a true and accurate representation of the cable/pipe shape as it lays on an irregular bottom terrain. It would also include the spans and points of contact on the bottom as well as the bend radii (to compute induced stresses) developed at the contact points. As the cable/pipe is laid over the ocean bottom, it bends over obstacles and free spans are created. The severity of these bends and the length of these spans are a strong function of the bottom roughness. Given the values of water depth along specific bottom tracks, the cable/pipe properties (wet weight and bending stiffness) and the cable/pipe bottom tension, the proposed software would determine the bottom contact points, the length and locations of the free spans, and the bend radii and global forces at the contact points. We propose that an RF-based personnel tracking system has significant advantages over presently used or contemplated ultrasonic/GPS systems. The proposed RF tracking system uses a central tracking station and multiple RF receivers to sense signals from personnel mounted transponder tags. The tags respond to uniquely coded probe signals by transmitting a second set of time coded RF signals. Triangulation to the receivers using proprietary signal processing algorithms allows accurate location of the tags in 2 and 3 dimensions. Numerical simulations of the algorithms indicate highly accurate distance measurement capability even under very low signal conditions and in the presence of RF reflective objects. The proposed system can seamlessly be interfaced with existing GPS systems to eliminate the tracking loss problem during building entry/exit. Furthemore, the system could also be extended to km distance scales for full coverage of training ranges. Such extensions could eliminate the need for GPS entirely, leading to a lower system cost. In Phase I we plan to develop and build a simple RF system to demonstrate tracking of at least one person. We will also refine the processor algorithms with a view to extending operating range and maximizing spatial resolution under low signal and multipath conditions. The proposed systems has applicability to fire fighter accountability systems, as well as location and tracking of inventories, equipment, and persons in secure facilities and prisons With recent advances in wearable computing and associated control and display mechanisms, there is significant opportunity to create a more effective operator control system for unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) operations. This Phase I effort proposes to study the UGV control problem, evaluate the advanced technology options for creation of a wearable control system, and design an optimum solution. Cybernet has significant experience to leverage in the development of advanced human computer interfaces, and in the development of portable UGV control systems. Advanced technology options that will be evaluated include: 1) hands-free interface solutions, such as voice recognition, eye tracking, gesture control, etc., 2) miniature force-feedback and other haptic devices, and 3) immersive and head-mounted displays. Selection of the advanced interface technologies will be performed based on satisfaction of the UGV control operation requirements, feasibility of implementation within a wearable computing platform, cost, potential benefit, associated risk, etc. The result of this Phase I effort will be the design of a highly intuitive and effective wearable computer interface for UGV operation, incorporating advanced control and display technologies. The immediate commercialization potential is for a wide range of military and other UGV control applications. The developed wearable operator control interface technology will also have broad reaching commercial potential for many other military and industrial control applications. This project is to develop a design for a wearable operator control interface for man-portable robotic applications. Typically, the controller will guide small, man-packable robots for tactical missions, such as reconnaissance in enclosed spaces like sewer tunnels. In military parlance, it is a "first man in" situation, where the robot relays video information back to the operator. The Operator Control Unit (OCU) also controls movement of the robot. Since this is a tactical situation, the OCU must allow the soldier to be free to carry out other duties without undo hindrance. It is especially important that the soldier remain free to perform battle tasks while operating the control system. The OCU will display video and other status information (direction of travel, velocity, tilt angle, etc). It will also accept control commands from the soldier and transmit the control data to the robot. In the first phase of this project, our goal was to develop a preliminary design for a wearable OCU. In Phase I, we successfully integrated Web authoring tools, LAN hardware and standard computers in order to demonstrate a prototype OCU interface. Phase II will refine this technology into an OCU that can comprehensively interact with the robot. Significant problems face the USMC as it plans its precision logistics pipelines for Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAAV). The USMC now relies on inefficient, manual processes, primitive decision aids, and "time-late" communications in its legacy logistics efforts to support mobile warfighting platforms.An innovative Precision Sea Based Logistics System (PSBLS) - for AAAVs and other USMC mobile units - will address those problems with enhanced logistics velocity, visibility, and variability for Ship to Objective Maneuver. A robust PSBLS solution will embody intelligent agents, capable user interfaces, web-centric applications, plus open-systems interfaces to "operate in such a way that commanders have absolute confidence that required support will be provided when and where it is needed." General James Jones, CommandantORINCON's team will develop, test, and integrate cost-effective information technologies to automate, monitor, and recommend actions for the USMC precision logistics system. We plan to "instrument the pipeline" from factory to deployed units with automated tracking, cost accounting, prognostic evaluation, and total asset visibility.Our unique technical and operational experience will be leveraged to provide a comprehensive Performance Specification, a Decision Support System design, and a Cost Benefit Analysis for this innovative USMC AAAV logistics program. o The USMC and its AAAV organization will directly benefit from this system's innovative decision support, centralized computers/applications and human-factored total asset visibility (TAV).o Commercial merit of our feasibility study extends to focused logistics systems of all armed services and the DLA. Resultant PSBLS functions can further transition to commercial "just in time" high-volume logistics support systems that are multi-million dollar efforts annually.o Boeing Aircraft Company expressed initial interest in some of our intelligent agents for maintenance support of commercial aircraft systems Successful supply-chain management is an essential element in high performance military environments. Rapid delivery of key items to deployed mobile units is a must for military strategists. Effective logistics/supply-chain management allows just-in-time distribution of goods and services. Current technologies are available to evaluate inventory levels across the supply chain. The use of the World Wide Web allows faster flow-through times in supply chain pipelines. Many commercial and military organizations are feeling an urgent need to integrate an extended enterprise logistics system.USMC 's Precision Sea-Based Logistics is a human-factored, computerized system that requires Total Asset Visibility (TAV) of spare parts, issuance of repair notifications, tracking of maintenance history, and cost. USMC plans to deploy a sea-based logistics system. TPI proposes to develop a centralized information logistics system that is based on a fully extended enterprise model. This Precision Sea-Based Logistics (PSL) system will assist in information flow between components of USMC's sea-based physical logistics system. The PSL system will maintain the Total Asset Visibility (TAV) in a centralized database, which will include configuration management and maintenance history and is capable of wire or wireless communication with the mobile vehicles and maintenance facility. TPI believes that the proposed system once implemented would bring US Marines Corps logistics/supply-chain management capabilities into the next decade. It will support the N/MC Intranet structure. USMC is planning to build the N/MCI in the next five years that could be used for global application of the Precision Sea-Based Logistics (PSL) system. Furthermore, the proposed PSL system will assist USMC in achieving its goal of moving the logistics to a sea-based system. There are many direct benefits to USMC and among them are reduced inventory, effective logistics management and on time delivery to the mobile vehicles. General Dynamics Amphibious System (GDAMS) is building Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) for the United States Marine Corp. The proposed system can directly be used for AAAV logistics.The PSL system is capable of supporting trucking industry whether or not a truck is near its desired maintenance facility. A mobile truck may be able to quickly report to the base via PSL system its maintenance problems and parts requirements. TPI is planning to approach many Logistics companies once the system is built. Among them are United States Truck Stop Association, United Parcel Services, Federal Express, and others. The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative design that combines a water-selective and surfactant-inert filter cartridge, with cross-flow filtration (CFF), and a high capacity spiral-wound membrane element design into an, integrated and individually contained filter cartridge. The water-selective filter allows fuel oil to pass through its membrane and repels water on the surface. CFF makes use of the shear force parallel to the filter medium to reduce the contaminant formation and water adsorption on the filter surface. The spiral-wound element design gives the maximum membrane filtration area in a given volume. The filtration unit is composed of the individually contained cartridges (modules). The module design makes the upgrade and down-grade of the system capacity very flexible. The proposed design will offer a safe, reliable, high capacity, efficient, compact, and advanced filtration system. The design is also suitable for scaling to different sizes for various applications of the Navy. It can equally well be used in various commercial fuel oil filtration systems. Sensors Unlimited will develop and deliver a 5x5 InGaAs avalanche photodiode (APD) array for use in eye-safe laser rangefinders. The avalanche photodiodes will be fabricated using a process virtually identical to our current production focal plane array process. Thus, the reliable operation of the arrays will be assured. The InGaAs APDs will have primary dark currents below 1 nA, avalanche gains in excess of 20, responsivity >15A/W at a wavelength of 1.55 æm, and electrical bandwidths >2GHz. In Phase I the APDs will be fabricated in a 5x5 array and bump-bonded to a Si fanout for APD characterization. The final deliverable in Phase I will be a packaged 5x5 array with access to the 25 array elements via package pins. In Phase II, we will develop a readout circuit using small cell GaAs transimpedence amplifiers with scalability to arrays as large as 64x64 elements. The larger APD arrays will be hybridized to the readout ICs using our flip-chip indium bump process. In addition to the utility of InGaAs APD arrays in laser radar systems, there is a tremendous opportunity for commercialization of linear arrays of APDs in the field of fiber optic telecommunications. Currently deployed Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed (DWDM) systems operate in the wavelength band of 1.530 æm - 1.565 æm and use single element InGaAs p-i-n and APD based receivers. The ability to manufacture large arrays of receivers is ideal for such systems, as the benefits of reduced power consumption, reduction of interconnections, and reduced electrical parasitics are easily realized in hybrid integrated systems. The advantage of APDs over p-i-ns is the same in telecom as it is in LADAR: an improvement in the sensitivity of the optical receiver. The amplifier architecture developed within this program is directly applicable to use in DWDM systems in linear array devices. Foster-Miller proposes to extend our successful previous work involving intumescent fire retardant additives to develop a new class of zero halogen fiber optic cable jacket that is safer, fire-resistant and more economical. Our technical approach combines three enabling technologies to produce an innovative jacketing material that is ideal for shipboard and other cable applications. These key technologies include cross-linkable polyethylene polymers, intumescent char-forming fire retardant additives (IFRAs) and polymeric coupling agents that maintain jacket flexibility and enable high IFRA loadings. During normal service, our Intumescent Optical Cable Jacket (IOCJ) meets MIL-C-85045 performance requirements. Upon exposure to fire, the IOCJ expands into a tough, durable, insulating foamed carbonaceous/inorganic char that extinguishes burning and insulates underlying optical fibers from heat of the fire. The IOCJ meets UL 910 fire safety standards. It is self-extinguishing and non-dripping, produces no toxic, halogen-containing gases and emits low smoke, This feature protects crew members and provides time to transmit critical data before cable failure occurs. Phase I will demonstrate feasibility of meeting both MIL-C-85045 and UL-910 with the IOCJ. Our team includes an optical cable manufacturer and experts in zero halogen FRs as well as cable extrusion coating. (p00444) Our fire-resistant, zero halogen intumescent optical cabling jacket, the IOCJ, will improve the safety of U.S. Navy shipboard personnel in the event of a fire by self-extinguishing when ignited and not releasing toxic, irritating halogenated acid fumes upon burning. This technology will have strong commercial potential in safer, improved fire performance optical and electrical cable jackets and wiring insulation. A marine environmental compliance and analysis web-enabled toolset will be designed based on extensive prior experience with web and GIS enabled technologies in an environmental analysis and documentation environment. The objective of this research project is to develop an environmental tool capable of efficiently ensuring that the Navy has limited environmental impacts on the marine environment, while maintaining its force readiness and testing and evaluation programs. The toolset will consist of two parts. Part 1 will use existing data, acquisition policy documents, regulations and document design specifications to produce draft NEPA documents based on project requirements that are comparable to previous proposed actions. Part 2 will provide analysis tools for evaluating systems, sub systems, and technology at various stages in the acquisition lifecycle and the corresponding actions that are planned (tests, fielding, OPEVAL, etc). Two key features define this product. One: all the data is cross-referenced by the action or equipment being used, the resource impacted, the location of the action, time of year, the environmental standard operating procedures and regulations. Two: all documents and methods included at the outset will reference approved data, so that new documents can be built using approved language and methods. As changes occur in regulations, approved language and methods, these data will update automatically with minor software enhancements.Broad applicability for the resultant product is anticipated, both within the Navy and in the general environmental community. Any organization doing environmental analysis and documentation will benefit directly from a tool that allows quick and accurate access to previous related documentation. Although the content would change, no release of Navy information would occur, and the design would be useful elsewhere. Material Innovation, Inc. (MII) will develop a zero halogen fire resistant material for use in plenum cable jackets, which passes the UL910 flame test. Furthermore, the jacket will be cross-linkable with consistent process-ability and persistent fire resistance at a competitive price. Non-halogen fire resistant technology is one of the most effective methods of reducing fire hazards in a confined space such as the inside of a sea vessel or an aircraft. The zero halogen material offers several advantages over halogenated material upon burning, such as reduced toxic potency of gases, reduced corrosivity of gases, and reduced smoke generation. In Phase I, MII will first develop a silicone containing cross-linkable polyolefin base resin. Then this base resin will be modified by the addition of a phosphorous containing polymer, nano-caly, or polyethersulphone to give several candidates for screening. The ideal material formulation will be chosen based on flame and thermal tests using thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimeter in conjunction with mechanical tests for tensile strength, elongation, and flexural modulus. Antioxidants and processing aids are also screened for consistent production. In Phase II, this material will be used to produce prototype plenum cables that pass UL910 flame tests for evaluations by interested government agencies and commercial manufacturers. The development of zero halogen, fire resistant cables provides improved fire safety in confined areas where human lives are at stake, and allows people more time to escape from a fire, for example, from an aircraft, a submarine, a shipboard, a subway, or a building. The reduction in corrosive gases during a fire minimizes the damage to sensitive electronic equipment such as in a telephone switching station, or a data processing center. The use of zero halogen cables also offers benefits in lower insurance costs, a reduction in environmental pollution, and compliance with government regulations. The estimated savings is 300 million dollars annually for industrial, commercial, residential, and hotel applications in the US using this new technology. To overcome the problems and performance limitations of traditional electronic compass designs and to achieve better performance at a lower cost, an innovative, simpler, more robust magnetic heading sensor is being developed. The approach is based on the thesis that heading sensor accuracy can be made better (and the heading sensor less complex and expensive) than traditional electronic compass designs. The approach employs the scanning magnetic angle comparator (SMAC) technique, which offers distinct advantages over conventional electronic compasses, because there are additional degrees of freedom to optimize performance by using feedback via a microprocessor to minimize error. During Phase I, an extensive error model analysis was performed. The analysis predicted an achievable accuracy of 0.1-degrees at 30-degrees latitude. The design study demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a precision, solid-state, non-inertial, self-calibrating heading sensor at a production cost of under $1,000 using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) magnetic sensors and electronic components. During Phase II, a prototype -- 0.875-incles diameter and approximately 4.0-inches long -- will be developed. (A 0.5-inches in diameter unit for use in ThinLine towed arrays has been proposed as an option.) At the end of Phase II, a SMAC heading sensor will be available for testing on an AUV. GreyPilgrim LLC has patented and developed a long-reach manipulator that combines modular components in a reconfigurable, flexible, lightweight design suitable for a wide variety of commercial and government applications. We have demonstrated 8*, 15*, and 33* implementations of the modular EMMA* robotic arm technology under DOE Hanford contracts for use in retrieving nuclear waste from deteriorating underground storage tanks. The arm is also being developed with Boeing for aerospace manufacturing processes such as cleaning, depainting, and inspection of aircraft. Much of these R&D efforts have taken place under the auspices of a CRADA between GreyPilgrim LLC and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where an open-architecture control system is being incorporated into the EMMA controller. The proposed multi-use manufacturing manipulator (MUMM) is similar in many respects to versions of EMMA already demonstrated. GreyPilgrim is therefore able to offer substantially greater progress than is normally possible with a Phase I SBIR contract. Proposed Phase I research will focus upon system modularity, portability, and flexibility requirements, deployment scenarios, and arm/tool integration. In Phase II a working prototype will be built and tested. BENEFITS: This research is expected to result in a reliable, cost-effective system capable of a wide variety of manufacturing tasks, including but not limited to cutting, fitting, welding, cleaning, blasting, painting, gluing, and inspection. In this proposal, Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) proposes an innovative new method of engine degradation monitoring, fault detection, and diagnostics, which is robust to sensor noise and is efficient in training and learning. This innovation will also allow us to detect new fault conditions that have not occurred before. This may include sensor failures and hence, the capability of validity self-checks. We propose to use two neural networks: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Fuzzy CMAC. PCA is a powerful technique for extracting the features inside the input signals. We have seen that PCA can reduce the signal dimension from 800 to 5 in several applications. A major advantage of PCA is that supervised learning is unnecessary. It can also be implemented in low-cost hardware. The Fuzzy CMAC (Cerebellar Model Arithmetic Computer) inherits preferred features of arbitrary function approximation, fast learning, and parallel processing from the original CMAC neural network, and the capability of acquiring and incorporating human knowledge into a system and the capabilities of acquiring and incorporating human knowledge into a system and processing information from the fuzzy inference rules of fuzzy logic. Our learning rates are at least an order of magnitude faster than conventional neural nets. The Universal Approximation Theorem that we have formally proven shows that any function can be learned to any degree of accuracy with enough learning cycles. The proposed method is relevant to the subtopic because our innovation can provide an early warning before the system actually fails. The purpose is to increase time between overhaul and safety. This proposal describes an SBIR Phase I program that identifies a candidate AAAV armor system and provides design rationale for its performance advantages. Ceramic and composite armor technologies are discussed and design guidelines are explained using ballistic data to substantiate performance claims. Ceramic facing materials and composite backing materials are combined using innovative construction methods to meet the AAAV armor weight goal of 17.0 lb/ft2. Armor materials and construction details are discussed and quantified using ballistic data. A ballistic test plan is presented, along with phased program objectives, to demonstrate that AAAV armor weight, protection level, and multi-hit performance requirements are met. Attaching objects quickly, quietly, reliably and securely underwater is required for various operations by Navy Divers. To present most of these objects have been attached to surfaces magnetically. Magnets can be detected and removed, redeeming an operation unsuccessful. Various other methods have been explored, but the harsh environmental conditions have limited approaches such as adhesives. The concept proposed here attaches mechanically to ill prepared surfaces. No adhesive and surface treatment is required. The device can attach to non-ferrous surfaces. The device utilizes a vacuum not unlike the system used by an octopus. This ensures reliable, quiet and secure attachment to any surface. Since PEM fuel cells are much more efficient than motor generators, their use by U.S. Navy ships would greatly improve fuel economy. Use of fuel cells would also allow power to be generated where needed throughout the ship, eliminating the vulnerability of a central electrical power generator. Since fuel cells run on hydrogen, a process is needed to convert diesel (or other liquid fuel) to hydrogen. EER has been developing such a process, Unmixed Reforming, but to make the process fully satisfactory for use by the U.S. Navy, an improved catalyst is needed. The research proposed herewith will develop that improved catalyst. In this Phase II SBIR effort we will investigate the fabrication of a composite, anti-corrosive applique that incorporates lightning protection capability as its main function. Although lightning protection is the main objective, the viability and usefulness of this applique will also be dependent on the materials' durability, ease of application, and its ability to provide appropriate E3 protection (using an applique system) that can easily be applied, removed, and repaired. Naval and Marine Corps aircraft must endure sustained operations in both an E3 and corrosive seagoing environment that requires the ability to rapidly reconfigure to fight an aggressor in any theater or climate in the world. Given the limitations with currently used systems, E3 protection has taken on a whole new meaning. In effect, the ever-increasing environmental challenge related to aircraft coatings demands that a mitigation system be applied that is long life, trouble-free, and provides a unique war fighting advantage such as lightning protection and E3 compatibility. Our proposed composite appliques hold the promise to significantly reduce drudgery, life cycle costs and enhance aircraft operational capability. BENEFITS: Commercial aircraft can directly benefit from the application of a paintless anti-corrosion, low surface energy applique and composites. Existing and future aircraft designs incorporating these materials will not only have the necessary protection against electromagnetic environmental effects (e.g., lightning strikes) but also improved fuel efficiency through reduced drag, longer and safer service lives, and significantly reduced application, repair, and removal costs. The Navy requires a trusted workstation equivalent to a B-1 Compartmented Mode Workstation (CMW) that can be built from a COTS PC. In response, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes an innovative low cost approach to implementing a CMW using multiple Single Board Computers (SBC) and an integrated Intelligent Secure Access Control Switch all integrated on a passive PCI backplane. The POC approach will have the following benefits: significant cost savings by using COTS SBCs hardware, a COTS operating system (OS) and application software and a single network connection; a modular design providing the best information partitioning with different security levels; significantly improved CMW fault tolerance; significantly improved security against both external and internal threats; easily upgraded with next-generation COTS operating systems and COTS application software upgrades. Phase I evaluation will be done using normal certification processes under the guidance of a Navy Certification Agent (CA). Phase I efforts will focus on hardware/software prototype construction, testing and security evaluation. In Phase II POC will complete the hardware and software design and demonstrate superior security capabilities. POC's CMW has a great number of military and commercial applications. It can be used as a low-cost secure work station at any location that maintains classified data or programs. In addition, it can also be used by organizations or individuals who desire to operate multiple computers concurrently in a single work station with a single user interface. Intelligent sensors and systems using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies for the health monitoring of energetic components are sought by the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Program. To support the advancement of DoD initiatives in improved ordnance diagnostics, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) will develop a wireless multi-parameter sensor module for real-time, in-situ chemical and physical monitoring within energetic components. The IOS approach will use a novel MEMS-based microcantilever array, coupled with advanced spread-spectrum communications, to create a compact, low-power, embeddable multiparameter sensor suitable for use directly in and around energetic materials. In Phase I project we will fabricate unique low-voltage PZT thin-film resonant cantilever structures, and show that, with the use of selective coatings, these sensors can be used to detect propellant breakdown products (e.g., acetic acid). A complete engineering demonstration chip will be fabricated, including both resonant structures and microtelemetry electronics; the feasibility of our proposed approach will be conclusively shown in experiments where the sensor chips are exposed to know concentrations of target analyte. In Phase II, IOS will fabricate afield-ready launch tube gas generator-monitoring device and run systematic tests to evaluate system cost and reliability. After Phase II, the proposed wireless multiparameter sensor unit will be tested and commercialized with the help of a leading solid rocket motor manufacturer. The proposed technology could be used to make multi-element or multi-target sensor arrays involving hundreds of thin films and cantilevers without significantly increasing the size, complexity, or cost of an overall sensor package. The sensor module will find applications in warhead and rocket motor monitoring, weapon systems, and commercial chemical in manufacturing, storage, and transportation. We propose to develop a test bed to evaluate GPS performance on re-entry bodies. Available computational tools will be used to simulate those effects which potentially impact GPS operation including plasma sheathing, aerothermal heating, geometric shadowing and dynamics. Software will be developed to characterize these effects which will then be utilized to generate distorted signals which will be fed into the test GPS receiver. The test bed will allow hardware in the loop simulation of GPS performance under a variety of conditions. During the Phase I program we will define the test bed requirements, quantify the operational space, develop a conceptual design and demonstrate feasibility. The Phase I option will develop a preliminary test bed design and a Phase II program plan The availability of a GPS performance test bed will allow issues related to the guidance and navigation of high accuracy re-entry body designs to be evaluated in the laboratory prior to the implementation of expensive full scale field tests. Several DoD agencies should be interested in such a test bed and the strategies for overcoming re-entry guidance problems which we will evaluate. Derivative commercial applications are also thought to exist. Chemical kinetics based solid propellant combustion predictive capabilities have developed to the point where it is possible to compute combustion properties of solid propellants. Specifically burning rates over a range of pressures and temperatures. This capability will reduce the time, effort, and cost in developing solid propellants for a variety of combustion devices from rockets to air bags.The ability to predict solid propellant combustion properties will reduce cost and effort in designing and formulating new propellants. The cost savings to industry and the government are potentially enormous since only likely propellant formulations will be progress to the mix, cure, and testing phase of the development cycle. The Naval Education Training Support System (NETSS) is a networked, computer based, education deliver system. NETSS features a high bandwidth ATM based LAN, student Network Computers, and an Instructor Works Station which the distribution of whiteboard, and multimedia based audio and video training. NETSS also uses a Java based operating system and hybrid DVD-ROMs, allowing the updating of curricula both within the schoolhouse and in field units. Lastly, NETSS can deliver videoconferencing and tele-training The Advanced Training Technology Delivery System proposes a new training production paradigm for skill training. Based on an extension of the concept of dynamic web pages, this paradigm greatly reduces the requirement for skilled personnel in the maintenance phase, shortens the update time for training and automatically manages the consistency between the training and the equipment for which it is intended, such as aircraft. By building training from a common set of elements, consistency can be established in training given in the schoolhouse, in the squadron and on the flight line. By tying the training elements to the individual aircraft in which their target components are installed, a proper training configuration can be guaranteed. In this proposal we will extend a simulation techinique we used in cooperation with P&P Services of Moldova to produce the KONKRUS-TM trainer. Both the KONKRUS-TM trainer and the ASW helicopter have similar requirements. Each has a set of sensor and weapons systems which need to be emulated in an integrated environment. The proposed program will accomplish this by making each sensor and weapon system a component within a well designed interface. Java Beans meets the component requirements of the proposed software task and will be used to produce generic weapons and sensor models. Intelligent Decision Systems, Inc. (IDSI) proposes to identify and define the parameters for a web-based decision support conversion system that will lead to the reuse and integration of existing instructional components to reduce the cost and lead time of developing, revising, and maintaining computer-based training systems (CBT). This conversion system will be designed to include the decision "tree" for identifying the feasibility of cost saving factors, the structure for locating existing media elements, and the possibility of the whole conversion system being web-based. This research addresses conversion of existing training assets into a dual use scenario through the use of a decision model that leads to a conclusion concerning conversion potential and availability of the asset. This will be accomplished through determining feasibility of implementing cost cutting strategies (e.g., a reuse strategy of graphics and other critical media elements to cut the costs of CBT development). A strategy for storage and retrieval of media elements along with identification of requirements for establishing the conversion system on the web. A proof of concept for applying the conversion system to development as well as revision of existing courseware will be provided. Rapidly maturing smart materials technology can enable a new generation ofturning devices for naval surface vessels. These devices will offerhigh-authority control for a shrouded propeller, bypassing the need forconventional rudders and the undesirable noise and vibration that can arisewith current designs. The new concept involves shape control of anenclosing shroud via Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) devices. The SMA actuationtechnology will build on previous mechanisms that have been demonstrated inmarine environments under full scale loading. Phase I willinvolve a preliminary sizing and assessment of an active "Smart Duct"using validated flow field models and design optimization tools. Theperformance of several candidate configurations will be compared and theiradvantages over conventional rudders quantified. This work will also setdeflection requirements for SMA actuation hardware, and a first-iterationintegration study will be performed to establish power requirements andresponse time for full scale applications. This preliminary designwork will lay the groundwork for a full scale design and for scale model tests of key system components in Phase II, which will also include more detailedassessment of the impact of the new design on vibration, cavitation, andradiated noise. In addition to its potential use on naval surface combatants andnext-generation submersibles, the direct uses of this technology in themarine arena are potentially widespread, since a wide range of ocean-goingtransports could benefit from the novel ducted propeller configurationproposed here. Indirect avenues for commercial applications would includethe demonstration of a new class of very high force actuators based on SMAtechnology, as well as development of fast analysis tools for navalengineering. KaZaK Composites Incorporated proposes in this Phase I project to develop a novel composite process allowing low cost fabrication of high performance backing armor for AAAV. Key elements of this process implementation include pultrusion of multi-layered glass and hybrid glass/aramid preforms in which the layers are both differentially infiltrated with resin and interlocked with a through-thickness reinforcement. The type and degree of layer interlocking will be chosen to optimize ballistic performance. The varying density of matrix through the thickness of the composite, and the possibilities of multi-resin layering will also be evaluated to optimize the performance-weight-cost tradeoff. During the Phase I project, 12" panels of different constructions will be fabricated and subjected to ballistic testing to resolve key architecture details. Upon selection of a promising composite architecture, a trial run of continuous pultrusion for that composite will be performed. This trial of a multi-layer/material composite armor will not only shed light on processing, but will also provide specimens for ballistic testing. While we intend to evaluate novel composite architectures, our primary focus in Phase I will be to develop the continuous processing parameters allowing a "good" ballistic composite architecture to be fabricated at the lowest possible cost via pultrusion.KCI anticipates that the results of the proposed project will have widespread application in governmental and commercial arenas, both as a means of fabricating highly effective backing armor for various vehicles, and as a primary armor for those applications having less demanding threats. We believe that concentrating on reducing the cost of "good" architectures is at present more important than wringing out the optimum specific weight performance in order to enhance commercialization to law enforcement and VIP protection markets. Given a low cost processing scheme for the basic multi-layered/multi-material construction, architecture modifications to optimize ballistic performance can be easily implemented, either through material substitution or distribution and orientation. The AAAV requires lightweight components that can be affordably produced and assembled. The goal of this SBIR is to develop an effective armor system that can use low cost materials while minimizing overall weight. Reduction in fabrication and material cost of the armor solution translates into a meaningful reduction in the vehicle cost. In this SBIR, we expand the state of the art through the use of conventional materials in innovative ways. The technology focuses of on ways to reduce the overall installed armor costs through material, and manufacturing innovations.We expect that the technology developed in this SBIR will be immediately applicable to other application areas such as Navy patrol boats, Army spall liners, and aircraft armor, where weight and cost are important. Additionaly, we belieive that we can modify the material system to allow its use as a flexible body armor material for law enforcement. The law enforcement market is very price sensitive, and many of the materials in use today are very cost prohibitive. This material would provide a very attractive alternative. In today's military environment ships, systems, and equipment are being asked to perform at levels not thought possible a decade ago. The intent is to improve process operations and equipment reliability, availability, and maintainability without costly upgrades. Of course, these gains must be achieved without impacting combat readiness. Downsizing is also taking its toll on operations. Loss of personnel, particularly those who represent the corporate history, is depleting the Navy of its valuable experiential base which has been so heavily relied on in the past. These realizations are causing the Navy to rethink its condition-based maintenance policies, moving them away from reacting to equipment problems to taking a proactive approach to anticipate needs based on mission requirements. This SBIR will develop a new approach to condition-based maintanance-Context Dependent Prognostics and Health Assessment. This advanced diagnostics capability will be developed around a context dependent model that provides a capability to anticipate incipient system/element failures and determine machine performance over a protracted period of time. This prognostic capability will link mission requirements to an economic performance model. In this context, a system may provide 100% operability with less than 100% functionality. This new paradigm will be integrated into the Navy enterprise system to facilitate optimal logistic supply and support. ALPHATECH proposes to design, develop, and demonstrate an integrated Surface Ship Surveillance System (S4) that will a) track and classify maritime targets using reports from a constellation of space based radars, and b) detect patterns of target behavior that deviate from derived models of normalcy. ALPHATECH will model the space-based radar based on the DARPA/Joint Service Discoverer II initiative, a low earth orbit satellite constellation that uses Moving Target Indicator (MTI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). We will demonstrate our S4 concept using internally developed scenarios running on an ALPHATECH simulation. Scenarios will be developed to demonstrate the performance and capabilities of the S4 concept in the stressing, dense littoral environment critical to developing complete Situation Awareness. ALPHATECH's experience in tracking, information fusion, and product development maximizes the expected benefit to the Navy, while minimizing the overall program risk. We are / have been key contractors for efforts involving: multiple hypothesis tracking, force pattern analysis, force level aggregation, target kinematic models, human computer interface design, and Global Command & Control System (GCCS) mission application development. Our role as researchers and developers for DARPA and the Services will promote cross-fertilization of ideas, while minimizing potential duplication of effort. The proposed technology will help provide USN complete surface situation awareness to support tracking and engagement of both area and theater surface targets. In addition, the technology has law enforcement applications in economically classifying, tracking, and monitoring ships that may be illegally transporting controlled technology to foreign nations, drugs and narcotics to friendly nations, or arms and weapons of mass destruction to international terrorists. The concept investigated in Phase I attach mechanically to ill-prepared surfaces. The device requires no surface finishing, be that polishing or cleaning, is quiet and attaches quickly, reliably and it can be re-used. The device will be non-magnetic and be able to attach to non-magnetic surfaces. The device utilizes a vacuum for adhesion. Hundreds of tiny vacuum suction cups, clustered together, are used to achieve adhesion of the payload to the contact surface. In the base effort of the proposed Phase II program, sub-systems will be optimized by; evaluating performance of COTS suction cups, considering and testing of alternative smart gels for creating a segmented central vacuum, and the evaluation and testing of using alternative chemicals to create the central vacuum. The base research will also investigate coatings and adhesives that will improve the attachment duration and the trigger and reset mechanisms. In the Phase II Option prototypes will be constructed, tested and validated under real operating conditions. The Option will deliver a proven design ready for production. Proposed is a study of incorporation of aircraft incident recorders and Structural Data Recorder Systems (SDRS) into an open architecture wireless network. This Enhanced Crash Survivable Flight Incident Recorder (ECSFIR) will improve flight safety by providing better information to accident investigators and reduce aircraft maintenance costs by improving diagnostics and automating maintenance schedules. Invocon will conduct comprehensive investigations into the ECSFIR system expectations and technical requirements. Consideration will be given to the incorporation of microminiature wireless sensors similar to those previously developed by Invocon. Programmable Surface Acoustic Wave (PSAW) correlators are under investigation by a team including Invocon, Sandia National Laboratories, NASA, and the Air Force Research Lab; in the ECSFIR, they will provide simultaneous RF communications giving the RF data bus extremely high-speed and reliable transmissions. The system will have an open architecture for future expansion and portability between aircraft. Invocon will provide at the Phase I conclusion a report detailing conceptual designs and configuration structures for all ECSFIR elements. Invocon proposes a Phase I Option to demonstrate a prototype wireless ECSFIR aboard a Naval Aircraft. This system will perform most of the major proposed requirements and provide a proof of concept and predetermination of some Phase II obstacles. The installation of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) is a major cost driver for shipboard controls and monitoring systems. The proposed effort will develop and demonstrate a wireless interface for PLC controllers within a shipboard environment per the Navy's instrumentation requirements. All situations where reliable, low cost wireless links are established in lieu of wires/cables will directly result in major savings to the Navy during both the installation and maintenance lifetime and will result in reduced weight of the instrumentation system. This proposal addresses development of a distributed image oriented storage and indexing architecture for building content searchable image databases (containing test, graphics, images, and digitize video). This is particularly difficult because computer vision has yet to solve the shape recognition problem which encompasses both text type and object type entities. Also, since substantial computation must be done to match image contents, substantial responsibility for the process must be delegated to the image archival engine (or in fact engines, because balancing data stored with computational elements is very important in this application as compared to more traditional text-oriented indexing and searching). In Cybernet's Phase I effort we will prototype a single node of the search engine and associated browser. Later we will scale the prototype product up for full scale Navy use. Single wall carbon nanotube - polymer composites will be synthesized and investigated for EMI shielding applications. Bundles of nanotubes will be prepared by an arc discharge process and dispersed in several polymer hosts as a physical mixture. Composites made from as-grown and chemically purified nanotubes will be investigated as a function of the vol.% loading, as will composites formed by laminating large area sheets of nanotube paper between polymer sheets. The effects of enhanced nanotube conductivity (chemical doping) and ferromagnetic nanoparticle additives will also be addressed. Stripline cavities operating in the 0.075 - 6 GHz range will be used to measure the complex permittivity and permeability of the composites. When applicable, the results will be modeled using an effective medium theory for composites built from dielectric hosts containing high aspect ratio conducting rods. The U.S. Navy and private industry are investing heavily in several ship electric drive systems including the High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) ac synchronous motor system, the Superconducting Homopolar motor and the Permanent Magnet (PM) motor. Composite drive shafts with optimized high torque end fittings hold promise for significant weight reduction. In the HTS ac synchronous motor these shafts are necessary to minimize heat leak to the rotating HTS coils Foster-Miller proposes to develop a low thermal conductance torque tube system which will provide minimum heat leak for the HTS ac synchronous motor application while also bringing significant value to the other ship electric drive options. The proposed approach employs Foster-Miller's Ultrasonic Tape Lamination (UTL) technology and tape winding. UTL enables on-the-fly, net thickness placement of the prepreg and the potential for non-autoclave curing. Several innovative designs in material selection, fiber architecture and end fitting integration are presented in detail in the proposal.Foster-Miller has teamed with American Superconductor and Alliant TechSystems to bring all of the expertise necessary to address this complex problem. In this program, the team will evaluate options, develop, analyze and design a low thermal conductance torque tube system and demonstrate key aspects of its fabrication. (P-00421) The proposed program will explore an advanced composite ship drive shaft system. This will support the HTS ac synchronous motor as well as several other electric drive systems for both Navy and commercial applications. The technology development is also a major asset for composite tube development for deep water oil drilling, civil structures and other applications. Beyond tubes, the integration of UTL and fiber placement has the potential to provide a dramatic advancement in composites manufacturing through on-the-fly debulking and curing. Composite tubes for cold-to-warm torque, requiring low thermal conductance, for advanced ship electric propulsion systems will be developed. Composite design and material selection must be optimized to provide low axial thermal conductance and high shear strength. Space limitations, fabrication difficulties, and costs limit the diameter of the torque tubes. The use of isogrid or isotruss composite structural designs as a supplement to a solid cylindrical shell must be carefully analyzed. The incoporation of advanced fibers such as alumina liquid crystal polymers, or polyethylene will be considered. Design of thermal intercepts and the end fixtures will be incorporated into the cylindrical structure.Our plan is to use our extensive cryogenic system and materials experience combined with composite analysis to design an optimum torque tube during the Phase I base program. The Phase I optional program will continue optimization and include torsion testing of previously fabricated glass/epoxy cylinders with a quasi-isotropic lay-up to confirm analysis predictions of shear strength. The most promising alternative tube geometries defined by the base program will also be fabricated and tested. The Phase II program will include fabrications and test (torsion, axial thermal conductivity) evaluation of candidate torque tubes, first with a subsize cylindrical structure followed by scale-up to a larger diameter and length. These will include end terminations and thermal intercepts for reduce heat leak and refrigeration loading. The proposed torque tube for cryogenic motors and generators will reduce heatleak to the cold region of these machines and will greatly reduce refrigeration requirements making such systems feasible for a wide range of applications in the military and commercial sector. These tubes would also have application to a large existing market for low heat leak cold to warm supports for use in magnetic resonance imaging systems (MRI), and the storage of cryogenic fluids nitrogen, oxygen, LNG, and others. Spectra Group Limited's (SGL) contribution in responding to N00-079 is the development of a new, benign, cost effective synthesis of poly[2,5-bis(N-methyl-N-alkylamino)phenylene vinylene]. Replacing the low yielding polymerization step in the current synthesis is the main objective of this proposal. By finding alternative routes to this step, many of the toxic reagents that are used in the original synthesis are avoided and replaced with safer, more benign options. The proposed synthesis is designed in such a way that many different types of polymerization reactions can be attempted based on a few simple easily made precursors. This versatility should allow a good number of options to be explored while spending minimal time in the laboratory preparing precursors. The anticipated benefit of this proposal is the development of a benign cost effective synthesis that can readily be scaled up to a commercial level. The ready availability of conjugated polymers would be of significant interest to the public and private sector. With the increasing complexity and size of advanced system designs come increasing requirements for an integrated set of methods and tools to measure, evaluate and predict behavior and performance. An environment is needed that will allow the engineer to rapidly iterate through multiple design paths and options, while evaluating the capability and completeness at multiple levels of abstraction. An integrated distributed environment is needed for engineers that support their processes and tools. This environment must support design, visualization and analysis at varying levels of detail. These capabilities can only be realized through the incorporation of a framework consisting of an integrated set of tools sharing a central design data repository that has "plug-in" support for external tools and codes. Creation of a robust environment to support complex systems development includes several key elements: first, an extensible framework and for integrating tools for designing, simulating and visualizing various aspects of the design; second, a process for using the tools and integrating and sharing their data; and third, a formal schema for describing, capturing and interrelating the data used by the tools. This project will attempt to realize a prototype of such an environment for the design and optimization of undersea weapons and vehicles. The rapid development of wireless technology is creating new opportunities and challenges for instrumentation users and suppliers. Wireless sensor systems can significantly decrease instrumentation set-up time and cost, while simultaneously improving sensor signal-to-noise ratios and instrumentation system flexibility. Further, the arduous task of manually collecting accelerometer samples for purposes of machinery health assessment has created a situation where a wireless data conditioning and collection approach would have many benefits; primarily a reduction in man-hours devoted to data collection and reduced instrumentation installation and maintenance costs. Unfortunately, no wireless accelerometer systems are currently available that meet the needs of the Navy's Assessment of Equipment Condition Program and similar harsh environment applications. Active imaging in the short- and mid-wave infrared has well-known benefits versus shorter wavelengths: eye safety, better visibility through battlefield obscurants, high atmospheric trans-mission, and reduced background emission. However, there are no suitable imaging detectors at eye-safe wavelengths. CTI proposes a nonlinear sum-frequency generator (SFG) to convert an image at 1.55 mm to a shorter wavelength where image intensifiers can be used. In addition, the SFG can provide spectral filtering and optical range-gating capability. Modern nonlinear optical materials can operate with high efficiency using modest pump sources in a compact design. CTI proposes a SFG converter with a large field-of-view, that is relatively temperature insensitive, and operates at room temperature. In Phase I, CTI will conduct detailed analyses and laboratory demonstrations to validate the proposed nonlinear up-converter. In Phase II, an imaging breadboard converter will be tested, optimized, and delivered.(1) increase detection sensitivity in eye-safe laser radar imaging, (2) demonstrate enhanced 2D LADAR imaging through SFG converter, (3) demonstrate receiver techniques through optical range-gating. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will produce a design for a monoblock configuration pulsed Er-Yb:glass micro-laser at 1540 nm, suitable for use in coastal LADAR applications at ranges greater than 1 km. Beside LADAR such a laser would be an extremely useful tool for a number of important applications; range finding, remote sensing, optical communications, etc. Our preliminary analysis indicates that the best way to meet the requirements for this laser is through an approach based on the optimal selection of pumping wavelength and cavity configuration, where both pumping and oscillation resonators form attached cavities. This method allows for scalability and versatility, while still achieving excellent performance in a relatively simple and rugged monoblock configuration.The developed system will radically improve the characteristics of lasers at 1540 nm, bringing its construction to a monoblock micro-design. In the commercial sector, the proposed laser will serve as an ideal source for parametric oscillators, high data transfer rate communication systems, spectroscopy, clocks, etc. This proposal describes and SBIR Phase I program to develop a high-performance, low-cost composite armor for the AAAV. Ballistic protection offered by state-of-the-art composite materials are presented and compared to demonstrate the need and performance goals for composite materials as fragment armors and as backings in ceramic armor systems. Ballistic performance models are presented and compared. Hybrid composite armor designs that use low-cost materials are discussed along with development and test plans. Cost models for composite armors are presented. Flammability testing proposed for candidate AAAV armor systems is outlined.Improved composite armor technology applicable to bullet and fragment armor systems. Improved ceramic armor designs that reduce cost and imrpove multiple impact protection of ceramic armors against armor piercing bullets. Composite armor designs and ballistic performance models applicable to personnel, aircraft, ship, and ground vehicle armor systems. Military divers and medical patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy may breathe pure oxygen. The elevated ambient pressure levels in these circumstances lead to high partial pressures of oxygen which can become toxic. The goal of this program is development of a Diver Warning System capable of monitoring environmental and physiological parameters and predicting impending seizures due to oxygen toxicity. During Phase I, we will review existing data and literature, implement several novel data processing algorithms, and determine which parameters are most predictive of impending seizures. During Phases II and III, the work will be extended to include additional hyperbaric testing and integration of the Diver Warning System into the LAR V Rebreather used by military divers.Successful completion of this project will increase the safety of military divers exposed to hyperbaric oxygen. The technology developed under this program may also benefit recreational scuba divers and medical patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It is known that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) exposure causes seizures in animals and humans, although the mechanism by which this occurs is still incompletely understood. Oxygen toxicity is a concern, for example, in certain types of military diving operations, as well in treating patients in clinical HBO chambers. At present, the most reliable physiological "marker" known to anticipate HBO-induced seizures is escape from cerebral vasoconstriction. To provide an "early warning" system for increased probability of HBO-induced seizures practicable for field and clinical use, non-invasive measurement parameters are needed. For example, hyperbaric hyperoxia is known to increase the parasympathetic influence in the regulation of the heart. Therefore, subtle changes that occur in cardiovascular parameters (e.g., heart-rate variability) prior to the onset of seizures may be exploitable markers. The objectives of this research are to research and design the necessary components of an environmental impact assessment software suite and to provide modeled environmental impact assessment results for selected sites. The research will focus on the impact of active acoustic emissions on marine mammals in the oceans. In the research and design portions of the study, AHA will examine the pertinent marine mammal characteristics and develop a database for those characteristics; retrieve and perform statistical analysis of environmental acoustic characteristics of the oceans, including temporal, spatial, and directional variability; investigate active sound propagation and procedures for the assessment of its impact on marine mammals; and incorporate the above items in the design of a web-enabled environmental assessment decision aid software tool. In the assessment portion of the research, AHA will perform acoustic modeling to produce representative summaries of marine mammal impact for selected sites.Many organizations within the U.S. government and private industry could make use of the environmental assessment software tool designed as part of this research, in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Examples include companies involved in drilling and recovery of natural resources, underwater construction, oceanic transportation, and marine geophysical and seismic surveying. We propose using our unique, self-reinforcing, rigid-rod, polyparaphenylene-based thermoplastic for fabricating low-cost, lightweight scuttles and hatches. This thermoplastic, named Parmaxr Self-Reinforced Polymer ("SRP"), is an extraordinary high-performance polymer that exhibits the strength of metals. Parmaxr SRPs, however, are not long fiber composites, and thus are readily fabricated using conventional low-cost, automated molding methods. The most elegant design solution for hatch and scuttle fabrication is single operation molding. This is not possible with current sandwich-core composite technology, which requires complicated lay-ups. For scuttles and hatches, use of Parmaxr SRPs will offer the following advantages 1) lightweight, possibly including a Parmaxr SRP foam core (sandwich structure); 2) charring, providing an insulating, protective layer in fire situations without toxic gasses; and 3) simplified compression manufacturing methods, enabling production of cost-effective scuttles and hatches. During Phase I we propose to 1) compound Parmaxr SRPs into suitable formulations (ensuring acceptable mechanical, weight, EMI shielding, maintenance, and fire tolerance properties); 2) fabricate and test specimens to qualify formulations for use (with an emphasis on fire situation properties); 3) enter into a collaboration with one or more existing manufacturers of scuttles and hatches for development work; and 4) design prototype scuttles and/or hatches for Phase II development.Lightweight thermoplastic hatches will be commercially viable products to support the commercial cruise industry and perhaps even specialized fire door markets. This technology will offer high quality, low maintenance, low weight and potentially high volume/ low-cost conformal shape doors for commercial and DOD applications. Future high speed fiber optic data networks can serve to aggregate disparate data sources with varying data rates. Thereby, a single network serves to transport legacy avionics protocols such Mil Std 1553B, InterCommunication System (ICS) data traffic, commercial formats such as Ethernet packets, Fiber Channel packets and other present and future packet formats. The protocol converter algorithm must be standardized and not proprietary to assure multiple vendor participation and product development. This Phase 1 program specifies the necessary characteristics required for an operationally successful network; it is redundant, controllerless and protocol independent. IPITEK will develop a network architectures meeting these program objectives by drawing upon experience gained from developing similiar functional fiber optic based networks. A universal data network capable of transporting multiple data formats simplifies network design and operation. New and old installations benefit from fewer networks through lower installation and operating costs. Daniel H. Wagner Associates, Inc. proposes to develop a requirements report and a detailed design for a Current, Wind, and Wave Data Fusion (CWWDF) system for Mine Countermeasures (MCM). The proposed CWWDF system will significantly improve the ability of Naval MCM forces to carry out their missions through the more effective use of available environmental data to accurately estimate the current, wind, and wave conditions in the area of interest. The system will allow MCM planners and operators to: (1) More accurately estimate the location of drifting mines at all times of interest, optimize search for them, and estimate their source, (2) Improve the placement of cleared lanes for use by landing craft such as AAAVs making it easier for the landing craft to stay in these lanes, (3) Develop more effective plans for MCM systems, such as divers, that are significantly affected by current, wind, and waves, and (4) Improve the ability to sweep pressure mines. Improved MCM technologies such as these are particularly necessary at a time when the United States is facing a sophisticated MCM threat with limited funds to procure additional MCM assets/sensors. Effective use of environmental data fusion techniques in MCM operations will produce more effective MCM operations, conducted at lower risk, which will result in fewer casualties to friendly forces and improved overall US Navy effectiveness. Erosion and corrosion of compressor blades and vanes have been critical degraders to the life of the gas turbine engine fleet for naval applications. Similar problems also exist for civilian aircraft engines. Protection of turbine compression systems has historically consisted of coating airfoil surfaces. New and advanced base material systems and advanced engine configurations are under development. Thus, new coating deposition techniques which can be applied without degrading advanced material systems and engine configuration are required. UES, Inc. proposes to utilize a patented vacuum filtered arc based technology for coating application. The coating systems will be characterized in terms of their composition and corrosion/erosion performance. Based upon their performance ranking, coating(s) and coating process(s) will be identified for further development in Phase II. The objective of this project is the development of a control module capable of providing the excitation for the Navy's UHF electronically scanned array radar currently under development. This radar will enable enhanced beam agility and scan rates over present radar systems. The Navy has identified a need for a scanning module able to direct a tapered excitation to a subset of a fifty-four element array. This Phase 1 project will investigate the crystal growth aspects and optoelectronic characterization of a new ternary alkali lead chloride material, Er-doped KPb2Cl5, which recently showed high promise in mid-infrared (3-4.5 um) laser applications. In particular, it has an excellent potential as a mid-infrared laser because of two factors: 1) the high concentration of erbium ions (2 x 10^20 ions/cm^3) with its large cross section provides excellent energy storage lifetimes (~ms), and 2) the crystals are hard and very stable at or above room temperature, enabling practical large scale laser sources. The goals of the Phase I project are to identify and select optimum growth conditions for ultrapure high quality erbium (Er)-doped KPb2Cl5 large single crystals in a cost-effective way, to develop new post-growth treatments to improve the quality of the grown crystals, and to characterize various optoelectronic properties in order to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating mid-infrared lasers from these crystals. The U.S. Navy has developed an important ASW capability using impulsive sources to provide broadband spectral illumination for submarine detection. Present sonobuoy sources use high explosives to achieve the required source levels. Explosives present serious safety hazards and subsequently incur significant operational and manufacturing costs. Additionally, explosives produce inherently short (<100 micro-second) high intensity pulses, which are not efficient for creating low frequency acoustic energy. Advanced Power Technologies, Inc. (APTI) proposes to develop a non-explosive source by electrically initiating combustion of aluminum with water to create a long (milli-seconds) high-energy acoustic pulse. The aluminum/water reaction is highly energetic (15 kj/g aluminum) and affords the opportunity to use surrounding seawater as the oxidizer such that the energy output exceeds present explosive driven buoy systems. APTI has significant experience combusting aluminum and water and has demonstrated this combustion technique using solid aluminum wire, water, and battery to generate pressures in excess of 50 kpsi to accelerate projectiles. The immediate benefit of this program is to provide the Navy with a substantially safer and less expensive inventory of anti-submarine warfare sono-buoys. Present systems contain high-explosives that require special handling and care to both manufacture and deploy. The proposed concept will eliminate those explosives and lower overall lifecycle costs by eliminating the need to handle explosive materials. Commercially, an immediate market for several thousand buoys exists to upgrade and replace the present systems both in the US and abroad. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project is designed to develop and characterize a novel ceramic material and microcomponent fabrication technique for application as optic fiber connectors in harsh operational environments experienced by the Integrated Defense Electronics Countermeasures (IDECM) ALE-55 Fiber Optic Towed Decoy (FOTD). Current fiber-optic connectors do not possess the desired mechanical performance and high-temperature performance for FOTD applications, and often have a high failure rate during operational conditions. SYTRONICS proposes Noise Reduction and Improved Speech (NORIS) research to accomplish Phase I objectives, establish a foundation for further research and prototyping in Phase II, and product testing and development in Phase III. Phase I objectives are: propose new design approaches using existing technology for hearing protection of personnel using communication systems; identify performance differences between custom-fit and foam earplugs; compare new materials available; include data on new speech intelligibility technologies; and develop a conceptual design. The proposed work includes: Assessing currently used passive systems, performing comparative analyses and identifying differences in performance with foam earplugs; Performing preliminary studies to determine passive attenuation requirements by (1) replicating a 1981 Shanks and Lilly study to determine the most sensitive measure of ear canal residual volume; and (2) identifying and verifying the most effective method for estimating residual ear canal volume when using deep-seated earplugs; Determining active noise reduction (ANR) requirements using deep-seated ear plugs and a noise sensing microphone; Investigating ANR, Communications Earplug (CEP) and other techniques that hold promise for reducing noise at the inner ear and improving speech communications; Providing a concept demonstration of a preliminary noise reduction system for deck crew with communications. We anticipate the benefits of this research to include (1) a better understanding of the technologies and applications that are most effective in reducing noise levels at the inner ear; (2) realization of effective techniques and applications for improving speech intelligibility in high noise environments; and (3) preliminary concept design and demonstration of a more effective passive and active noise reduction hearing protection system with improved speech intelligibility capabilities, that is feasible for use by aircrew and deck crew personnel operating in Navy aircraft carrier and "L" class ship deck environments. If successful, this technology application will benefit workers operating in any high noise military and industrial environment. Mathtech has developed a digital Advanced Inter-Communications System (AICS) for the E-2C aircraft. The AICS is an Ethernet-based system with many user-friendly features, and both weight and cost savings over competing systems. This proposal describes our approach to architecture and options for converting the AICS to a fiber optic bus. There is increased interest in the use of fiber optic voice and data transmission in military aircraft. Commercial applications include all aircraft as well as other industrial applications. Today's military aircraft and aerospace systems employ optical networks for data transmission. Data is bottlenecked in switching, which is currently performed by slow, bulky, heavy optomechanical methods. Fast electro-optical switches have been suggested as replacements, but these tend to have large insertion losses and low extinction ratios. The U.S. Navy is seeking a high-speed, low-loss, high extinction ratio optical switch for its optical networks. To address this need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel optical switch based on liquid crystal polymer holographic Bragg grating nanotechnology. This concept is superior to existing switches in that it can switch in under 25 microseconds, has insertion loss below 1 dB, exhibits an extinction ratio above 50 dB, is nonmechanical, and scales to large array sizes. It can be designed to be narrowband for wavelength division multiplexing or broadband for greater system compatibility. The proposed optical switch technology is commercially attractive because it is based on mature volume holographic and liquid crystal/polymer nanotechnology. In Phase I, POC will design, fabricate and test the proposed optical switch technology, and demonstrate its feasibility by analytical calculation, computer modeling, and experimental demonstration. In Phase II, an advanced prototype will be fabricated and field tested. POC expects this unique switch to open a new market for rapid optical switches. The capabilities of this switch are far beyond what is commercially available today, and it will be useful in a wide range of applications, from DOD aircraft to cable television, from space-based radar systems to industrial control centers, from military control centers to internet-based high speed switches. Next generation high performance Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance, tracking and timing systems will need to be smaller lighter and less costly. The oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) is a key component in determing the performance of the GPS system. Conventional OCXO's suitable for precision GPS applications are large, require substantial amounts of power and are costly to manufacture. These limiting factors play a role in determining the overall size and cost of the GPS system. MTI has developed a very small and power efficient OCXO in our standard Model 220 which is currently manufactured in high volume. In Phase 1 we will focus on reducing the warm up time of the 220 and the amount of power required during the warm up mode. Our goal is to realize a warm-up time of <30 seconds while consuming 2 watts of power maximum. With some modification it is possible that MTI can offer a compact, power efficient, economical and specification compliant OCXO. The performance of a GPS receiver is critically dependent on its internal oscillator clock's long term stability, affecting time-to-first measurement and its short term, phase noise level, since it limits the ultimate precision with which a range increment can be recovered. Visidyne proposes to demonstrate that by adding a photonic control loop to an existing low cost RF oscillator both long term drift and short term, i.e., Allan variances can be greatly improved on. The goals for ready time, size/weight and power consumption as well as cost also appear to be within reach. High performance local oscillators with less jitter, lower phase noise are a critical element at both ends of the scale, low signal-to-noise as in a GPS receiver or in the case of multiple input signals of large magnitudes to reduce the intermodulation products. DoD needs include advanced digital intercept receivers, commercial uses are in wireless, e.g., cellular phone networks. Advanced failure progression modeling will be demonstrated on selected gear and bearing components for the purpose of providing a basis for fully enabling the Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) to assess the remaining useful life of components and their risk to catastrophic failure. Fracture Mechanics methods within a framework of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will be applied to a crack in the root of a spiral gear tooth to simulate crack growth to final failure. The gear selected for analysis will be one of those for which the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) has generated full scale H60 helicopter drive system testing. The data will provide a basis for validating the model. Additional fracture mechanics analysis will be developed to determine a risk factor for catastrophic bearing inner ring fracture in the presence of a fatigue spall. The risk factor will be based on sensitivity to fracture of bearing geometry, bearing/shaft interference fit, material fracture toughness and operating speed and load. The models provide benefit by more accurately predicting the remaining useful life of components. Model development will provide a basis for: (1) developing improved diagnostic algorithms for fault detection, (2) assessing the risk to catastrophic failure of detected bearing faults, (3) understanding component failure progression rates, and (4) determining more accurate inspection and maintenance intervals. Commercial applications apply to aviation and power generation rotating machinery. Industry using health monitoring systems, condition-based maintenance, diagnostic or predictive analysis for rotating machinery will benefit. As the number and range of interface technologies increases, the personal experience and expertise of human computer interaction (HCI) designers is often insufficient to ensure that wide ranges of innovative interface options are considered during design. This limited experience could slow down the interface design process and result in interfaces that are sufficient, but not optimal. Aptima proposes an intelligent advisor that will help capture the experiences of a broad range of HCI designers in the form of user interface design cases and provide an indexing schema for effectively searching and retrieving user interface design (UID) cases from a case database. The retrieved UID cases will aid the HCI designer in generating an initial set of viable and innovative user interface design options to use as a starting point for a UI design effort. Each UID case in the proposed case database will contain: 1) a dialog representation (e.g., a dialog box image, a description for gesture based dialog, a transcription of speech dialogs, etc.); 2) a depiction of the functional, operational, and usability requirements the dialog supports; and 3) links to related dialogs used to characterize and index the UID case. The anticipated benefits are as follows. The case-based HCI design advisor will enable the HCI designers and/or the systems design team to: Intelligent Automation, Incorporated (IAI) and its subcontractor, Penn State U., propose a novel system to detect damage in aircraft structures. The system combines a novel wireless sensor for signal acquisition and a robust software for fault prognosis. The sensor is known as SAW-IDT (Surface Acoustic Wave Interdigital Transducer). It is low cost, passive, compact, and can be operated in a wireless manner. The sensor has been proven to be useful for sensing cracks in rivet holes. Other structural defects such as corrosion, delamination, fatigue cracking can also be detected. The second element of the system is an automatic fault prognosis tool, which consists of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ), and Hidden Markov Model (HMM). PCA is a popular neural network tool for extracting useful features. LVQ is used to generate the code sequence. HMM has been proven to be extremely useful in several applications, including some use for equipment diagnostics. However, unlike conventional usage of HMM for fault isolation, HMM is used here to perform both fault prognosis and diagnosis. Our proposed system can perform continuous monitoring of aircraft structures in both ground and in-flight situations, and the sensors can be easily embedded into the structure. The ability to predict the onset of structural failures is critical for reducing cost and improving safety in aircraft. At the end of Phase 2, we will have a system with both hardware and software for structural failure prognosis and diagnosis. The system will perform continuous monitoring of aircraft structures in both ground and in-flight situations. We expect the market for this system to be at least 10 million dollars. The Phase II research proposed here will develop a model of team collaboration in critical thinking (TC2T) that builds upon the framework proposed by Alberts, et al. (2001) and upon the research team's considerable experience studying individuals and teams in command and control settings. From this model, we will develop measures of: (1) technologies that support collaboration (collaboration technology MOPs), (2) processes of collaborative critical thinking (TC2T MOPs), (3) their influence on team-wide understanding of goals and means that is central to command and control (C2 MOPs), and (4) mission outcomes with a focus on synchronization (MOEs). The proposed program is focused specifically on developing and optimizing advanced Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) system designs for various Joint Strike Fighter aircraft systems and subsystems. A PHM design optimization tool developed under a separate program will be utilized to examine several selected JSF aircraft areas including the propulsion system (Fan/Compressor/Turbine, Engine Lube Oil or Fuel System), secondary power system (APU or PTO/AMAD) and the environmental control system (ECS). The effort will specifically develop "lower level", detailed system simulation models for assessing sensor type/placement issues, as well as "higher level" system integration models to examine system inter-dependencies and failure mode propagation effects. The tool will allow a design team to assess PHM system configurations based on a cost function that accurately represents key life cycle cost variables such as system availability, maintainability, reliability, failure mode interactions, etc. Based on the development of these optimal PHM system designs early in the EMD phase, costly redesigns in later phases can be avoided. Pratt and Whitney and Honeywell Engines and Systems have expressed interest in this program and are expected to provide appropriate design and legacy system information required to build the PHM models proposed.BENEFITS: Optimizing PHM system designs for critical areas of the JSF aircraft will allow for more autonomous system self awareness so that critical system failures and high cost operation can be minimized. The ability to optimize and justify JSF sensor selection/placement and associated diagnostic/prognostic algorithms in the design stage can significantly reduce LCC and impact the effectiveness of autonomic logistics by reducing costly inspection routines and premature component replacements. Substantial safety and cost benefits can be achieved if the optimal application of LRU diagnostic and prognostic techniques is realized, and it could thus provide the potential to make the correct life cycle choices during the EMD phase of JSF. Commercial applications for applying this PHM design optimization can be realized for any aviation health management application, as well as machinery health management systems in the electrical generation industries, chemical processing industries, marine propulsion, military ground vehicles, and the gas transmission and oil refining industries. Burn-through of the cables used in the Integrated Defense Electronics Countermeasures (IDECM) ALE-55 Fiber Optic Towed Decoy (FOTD) system as installed on the F/A-18E/F precludes successful operation of the FOTD. The currently used organic fibers do not retain their strength when exposed to the extremely high temperatures of the aircraft exhaust. Fiber Materials, Inc. proposes an innovative solution to the burn-through problem by utilizing a high strength, commmercially available fiber with a higher maximum use temperature. FMI will also utilize ablative materials to keep the temperature of the cable below its failure temperature. In Phase I, FMI will perform elevated temperature tensile strength testing (up to 1000§C in air) of the proposed towlines. The benefit of this SBIR project will be candidate material systems for high temperature, high strength towlines for Fiber Optic Towed Decoys (FOTD). The successful conclusion of this research will allow reliable deployment and use of the FOTD system to protect US military aircraft from enemy missiles. Approximately 20,000 disposable towline units are planned for the F/A18, F-15, and various other platforms. Industrial applications that will benefit from this research include space tethers, high temperature seals, and high temperature cables for the geothermal and mining industries. Q-DOT proposes to develop a monolithic, Delta-Sigma Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) suitable for use in a multi-function phased array antenna systems (e.g., Digital Array Radar (DAR)). Its wide bandwidth (600 MHz) enables the DDS to produce a variety of signals including the chirp waveforms for radar. The single-bit, delta-sigma architecture offers high purity (-150 dBc/Hz), low in-band spurious content (100 dB SFDR) signals on one integrated circuit realized in IBM's SiGe BiCMOS process. In addition, this sophisticated DDS will support beamforming operations (i.e., time delay, phase shift, amplitude weighting). Its small size, low power dissipation, and low cost make the Delta-Sigma DDS attractive for integration into advanced T/R modules. Under the proposed Phase II Base effort, Q-DOT will develop a monolithic Delta-Sigma DAC IC realized with SiGe BiCMOS technology. In the Phase II Option, the Delta-Sigma DAC integrated IC will be integrated with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components to form a stored-waveform, Delta-Sigma DDS Module. Q-DOT will work with the Navy to insert the Delta-Sigma DDS into advanced DAR during Phase III. The goal of this project is to characterize the magnitude and transmission paths of bone-conducted noise, and then to use this information to design an effective Noise Reduction System (NRS) for use in crew helmets. US Navy personnel working on the decks of aircraft carriers operate in a very high noise environment and are at considerable risk for hearing damage. There is no technology available to reduce engine noise levels without significant performance penalties. Further, noise levels will not improve with the next generation of aircraft, where noise levels for deck crews will exceed 150 dB. At these levels, sound conducted to the cochlea via bone and tissue conduction may inflict damage despite complete attenuation of air-conducted sound in the ear canal. The phenomenon of bone conduction is not well understood. During the Phase I project, we plan to use two new innovative audiometry techniques, supplemented by laboratory tests, to characterize this phenomenon. We will then use these data to model the noise conduction mechanism in order to design an effective countermeasure. During the Phase II project, we will fabricate and test prototypes of the NRS. The results of our unique tests on bone/tissue conduction to the cochlea will be of benefit to those setting hearing protection guidelines as well as to designers of hearing protection systems. The Creare Noise Reduction System (NRS) will reduce the effects of this potentially harmful source of noise, allowing longer durations of exposure to high-noise-level environments. The system will be of use to military and civilian aircraft operations and maintenance personnel as well as to workers in construction and manufacturing industries. SYTRONICS proposes Bone Conducted Noise Reduction (BCNR) research to accomplish Phase I objectives, establish a foundation for further research and product prototyping in Phase II, and product testing and development in Phase III. The Phase I objectives are: propose new design approaches to protect Naval deck crew personnel from bone conducted sound to the inner ear; establish a protocol for determining the path(s) of bone conducted noise to the inner ear; and develop a preliminary conceptual design for a solution to the problem. Proposed work includes: assessing current approaches to measuring bone conducted noise using distortion product oto-acoustic emissions (DPOAEs) technology; determining new methods for measuring bone conducted noise by generating DPOAEs in a novel way to study the cancellation of bone conducted noise in the cochlea; performing a series of preliminary bone-conduction studies designed to explore the effect of level changes in air-conducted and bone conducted stimuli, examine cancellation of the bone-conducted tone, compare the sensitivity of DPOAE measures with conventional behavioral measures, and make a preliminary determination of bone conduction pathways to the inner ear; providing a concept demonstration of a potential bone conducted noise reduction. We anticipate the benefits of this research to include (1) a better understanding of the pathways and practical effect of bone conducted sound to the inner ear; (2) determination of an effective way to reduce the level of bone conducted sound to the inner ear; and (3) preliminary design of a protective system that effectively reduces the level of bone conducted noise to the inner ear and is feasible for use in the Navy aircraft carrier and "L" class ship deck environment. If successful, this technology application will benefit workers operating in any high noise military and industrial environment. Operating a vector-component magnetic sensor in motion with high sensitivity is challenging. Compensation of motion noise is classically achieved by configuring the sensor as a magnetic gradiometer and taking advantage of the fact that the earth's magnetic field is spatially nearly uniform. Quantum Magnetics, working with the Navy and IBM Research, has developed a unique sensor configuration, the Realtime Tracking Gradiometer (RTG) that solves the dynamic range challenges particularly well. Operating such a sensor in a low-cost Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) adds still more technical challenge: that of negating locally-generated magnetic interference without compromising the sensor's motion noise immunity or its responsivity to detection targets. In Phase I, we demonstrated the efficacy of two complementary approaches to mitigate local interference. One, developed by Quantum, modifies the RTG hardware, and another, developed by the Navy's Coastal System Center, adapts the noise compensation algorithm. In the Phase II Base effort, we will provide the Navy with a version of the RTG specifically designed and ready for AUV integration. We will support the Navy in sensor integration into an AUV and demonstration at sea.BENEFITS: The technology developed under this program will add to the Navy's organic MCM capability. It can also be adapted for use in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for locating underground facilities. Private-sector markets include oceanographic research, search and salvage applications, and geophysical surveys. Potential sales in each market segment can reach a few hundred units, at a cost between $5,000 and $15,000 per unit; business models structured in terms of leasing and per-use fees may generate significantly higher revenues. A lightweight, low-cost system for each firefighter to detect the location and direction of other nearby firefighters will be provided. A heads-up display will allow hands-free operation. The system will be integrated with the Personnel Ultrasonic Locating and Safety Equipment, or PULSE, developed by Summit Safety. This system uses ultrasound -- sound waves above the normal hearing range -- to enable a firefighter or Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) to quickly locate and rescue a disabled firefighter and to quickly locate exits in dense smoke. Summit Safety will develop an ultrasonic, non-contact sensor and system capable of detecting the acoustic sounds and fire-induced vibrations of structures that are precursors of structural collapse. The system will provide advanced warning to the Incident Commander of potential or imminent structural collapse. Luna Innovations has developed for NIST a low-cost, yet high resolution acoustic sensor system capable of determining ten micro-degree changes in a water path caused by clinical medical radiation devices. A system will be delivered to NIST for their evaluation and testing. The sensors are external to the water and play a negligible role in error sources from thermal transfer in contrast to current thermocouple devices in use today. Luna has identified a commercialization path and a partner (Varian) who has voiced product support if we are successful in the Phase II. This breakthrough technology can result in the ability to image the three dimensional thermal dose absorbed in the tissue phantom, a critical pre-treatment parameter that could alter medical protocols. The product from this technology has an important role for both economics and health care. Open Tech, Inc. seeks to develop a Virtual Environment Windowing Library (VEWL) that will provide users with an intuitive user interface and device independent interaction methods. The interface will allow users in a virtual environment to run applications and configure the environment using the same windows and controls that they are used to using on desktop systems. The software will provide for complete device independence, allowing users of any system to use the software regardless of the input devices that they are using (e.g. wands, mice, keyboards, PDAs, etc). The software will help facilitate the application development process for programmers, while simultaneously helping programmers provide users with more flexible and intuitive applications. Parallax Research, Inc. proposes to build an Ultra-High Vacuum compatible Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (WDS) that can be used on small spot Auger, XPS, TEM and FESEM analytical instruments for elemental analysis. The effort draws upon Parallax's experience in designing WDS systems for Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and for XRF. This new type of x-ray spectrometer will eliminate the sources of leakage that plagued previous WDs systems used on UHV systems by using UHV compatible materials, motion feedthroughs and by replacing the leak prone gas flow proportional counter x-ray detector. During Phase 1, Parallax tested a potential proportional counter replacement with sufficient success to be very confident of Phase 2 success. The proposed spectrometer is conceptually based on Parallax's new 6-diffractor HeXLEXS extended energy range Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer. A low-cost superconducting transition edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter spectrometer is described for high energy and high spatial resolution X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and microanalysis. The proposed microcalorimeter instrument offers an energy resolution that is comparable to and potentially even better than wavelength dispersive spectrometers, thereby enabling the resolution of interfering peaks at low energies, while the energy dispersive nature of the microcalorimeter also means that the full X-ray spectrum is immediately available for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The TES microcalorimeter spectrometer will address and meet a critical need for new, cost-effective analytical tools for high resolution X-ray microanalysis in materials research. The presence of moisture in inaccessible building regions can lead to paint failure and rotting that reduces property values and creates dangerous habitat environments.  Secondarily, the presence of moisture can lead to mold growth with allergenic and toxic properties that present a significant health risk.  Diagnosis may include measurement of the moisture content of building materials, as well as measurement of water infiltration through the exterior barrier.  The current tools available for diagnosis are limited to bulky, electrical-based sensors that are not optimal for embedding in small crevices and often produce unreliable results over long-term evaluation.  To address the need for robust sensors and instrumentation to measure moisture content within building envelopes, Luna Innovations proposes to develop low profile, low cost, optical fiber-based instrumentation for in-situ simultaneous measurements of humidity and temperature, within inaccessible regions of buildings.  The proposed system will enable remote detection in an embeddable, multiplexed format, and offer a low cost solution that can be used in may commercial and industrial structures and meets the competitive price points of the housing industry. An innovative superconducting transition edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter array with superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) readouts is described for high energy and high spatial resolution X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and microanalysis. The proposed microcalorimeter instrument offers an energy resolution that is comparable to and potentially even better than wavelength dispersive spectrometers, thereby enabling the resolution of interfering peaks at low energies, while the energy dispersive nature of the microcalorimeter also means that the full X-ray spectrum is immediately available for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The TES microcalorimeter will address and meet a critical need for increasingly high spatial resolution X-ray microanalysis in semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing and materials research as minimum feature sizes are reduced well below 1 micron. This proposal is aimed at developing a full software solution for the next generation advanced optical metrology. Existing simulation tools cannot meet the current and future needs of scattering-based optical metrology for semiconductor manufacturing. Our proposed work will first focus on developing an enhanced RCWA-based simulation engine with advanced algorithms for fast convergence and stability, which can be applied to periodic and non-periodic 3D problems with arbitrary polarizations, structure profiles and material systems. A versatile and user-friendly CAD interface will also be developed based on the RSoft existing, industry-leading CAD technology for optoelectronics device simulation. Within the CAD, a 3D openGL display engine will be implemented for 3D data display and manipulation. Other potential methods, including FDTD, FEM and FMM, will also be investigated and implemented to address the full range of optical metrology applications. RPIC Systems proposes to develop a compact, optically coupled precision MEMS-based resonant high-pressure transducer that provides primary national standards from 280 MPa to 500 MPa, having <0.0001% resolution and <0.001% accuracy, the ability to operate over a wide temperature range (<-65°C to >300°C), the capability of oil or gas fill, and characteristics of quartz resonant gauges at lower pressures. The proposed sensor of RPIC Systems also will address the need of industrial and commercial markets for precision, high-pressure sensors having low hysteresis, electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity, and increased safety in harsh, volatile, or explosive environments. Wavelength dispersive spectrometers (WDS) are widely used in both scanning electron microscopes and scanning transmission electron microscopes for x-ray elemental analysis and mapping. The WDS systems are typically used to detect x-rays in the 100 eV - 2000 eV energy range, for chemical analysis of elements Be through P. Despite the excellent energy resolution of the WDS systems, they rely on gas flow proportional counters for detection of x-rays from the diffractor, which pose a serious problem in terms of the compatibility with the ultra-high vacuum (UHV) of the microscope. For the detection of very low energy x-rays, the gas proportional counter must have an extremely thin entrance window, which is permeable to the gas in the proportional counter, such that the proportional counter gas slowly leaks into the UHV chamber of the microscope. The newer generation field emission microscopes will not be able to tolerate the gas from the proportional counter leaking into the UHV of the microscope. In this project, we propose to develop a high performance solid state x-ray detector that will be compatible with the UHV environment, and will offer a more reliable, low cost alternative to replace the gas proportional counters in electron microscopes. A new type of THz photomixer will be developed using a submicron interdigitated-electrode structure fabricated on an Eras:GaAs ultrafast photoconductive layer, an AIAs heat spreader and an AIGas/AIAs dielecric mirror. The Eras:GaAs-based photomixer will provide extremely wide tuning bandwidth (>1 decade) and a continuous-wave output power of roughly 10 microwatt around 100 GHz, at least 1 microwatt and 1 THz, and > 100 nW between 2 and 3 THz. The research will focus on the materials growth and fabrication issues, the electrical and optical performance, and the reliability and packaging necessary to deliver working devices to NIST. Open Tech proposes to adapt the WIMP (Window Icon Menu Pointer) interface for immersive applications. Using logical input devices like windows, menus, sliders, and buttons applications can be built to be device independent. Open Tech’s innovative approach uses a laser pointer like mouse to control a 3D WIMP interface. Scientists will be able to quickly build interfaces that are easier to learn, more flexible, and more powerful than many current applications. This approach is particularly useful for scientific visualization where realism and presence is less important than the data being visualized. We propose to develop the technology to address the need for better harmonic reference devices in order to support the field of non-linear device characterization. Superconducting delay lines can be used to generate nonlinear harmonic signals with a known magnitude and phase relationship to the fundamental signal. In order to make such a reference device, we will need to make superconducting delay lines of at least 20 cm length on a standard 5 cm wafer. This will require careful simulation and fabrication of a spiral meander line. Then we will package the delay line using interconnects to room temperature that have been optimized for stable phase response on thermal cycling. Finally, we will deliver the delay line packaged on a cryocooler with integrated PID to ensure stable temperature operation. Successful completion of this effort will form a solid foundation for building and testing an optimized laboratory prototype in Phase II. Two distinct designs with performance characteristics for analyzers consistent with the solicitation requirements were delivered in Phase 1. The Phase 1 research and modeling results have been sufficiently conclusive to indicate feasibility of both designs. The more novel of the two designs is proposed: a hybrid magnetic/electrostatic analyzer that features very high collection and transmission efficiencies. In this design, the specimen is immersed in a magnetic field parallel to the axis of the analyzer. The proposed design provides for extremely uniform collection efficiency over a large area while preserving excellent lateral resolution. In one application this design, combined with a tunable wide area soft-xrays illumination will provide the ability to identify chemical bond information utilizing the NEXAFS technique. In this Phase I SBIR, Nomadics will build on our past experience with micro-structure resonators and quartz-based sensors to develop a pressure sensor suitable for high pressure applications such as oil and gas industry applications. In the Phase I work, the outstanding measurement resolution of our sensing technology will be demonstrated and the feasibility of this technology for pressure sensing will be demonstrated. Pressure tests with ranges up to 140 MPa will be performed. The pressure sensing range and sensitivity of a commercially available structure will be tested. The material property, behavior, and the mechanical integrity of the chip assembly including the fiber connector under high-pressure environment will be understood. The interaction of pressure fluid in the testing facility and material at various pressures and temperatures will be tested. These efforts will include collaboration with a leader in the oilfield test and measurement industry. Successful completion of the Phase I tasks will warrant continuation into Phase II prototyping. The presence of moisture in inaccessible building regions can lead to paint failure and rotting that reduces property values and creates dangerous habitat environments.  Secondarily, the presence of moisture can lead to mold growth with allergenic and toxic properties that present a significant health risk.  Diagnosis may include measurement of the moisture content of building materials, as well as measurement of water infiltration through the exterior barrier.  The current tools available for diagnosis are limited to bulky, electrical-based sensors that are not optimal for embedding in small crevices and often produce unreliable results over long-term evaluation.  To address the need for robust sensors and instrumentation to measure moisture content within building envelopes, Luna Innovations proposes to develop low profile, low cost, optical fiber-based instrumentation for in-situ simultaneous measurements of humidity and temperature, within inaccessible regions of buildings.  The proposed system will enable remote detection in an embeddable, multiplexed format, and offer a low cost solution that can be used in may commercial and industrial structures and meets the competitive price points of the housing industry. The proposal is to develop a system to monitor fire-induced structural vibrations that provide real time data correlating with structural integrity. The system is designed to bridge an "information void" and provide firefighters with information that can warn of impending collapse. The system, based on accelerometer technology, will monitor structural integrity through the algorithmic analysis of structural vibrations that have been shown to reliably detect changes in structural integrity. We believe that a careful application of this sensor system would accurately provide timely warning to fire fighters and would reduce the risk of death and disability due to structural collapse. The Direct Digital Phase Noise Measurement Phase 1 SBIR demonstrated the feasibility of the technology to make the measurements required by the commercial marketplace. This new approach to phase noise measurements uses fast digital-to-analog converters to digitize the input RF signal and performs all down-conversion and phase detection functions by digital signal processing. It has several significant advantages over analog phase noise measurements techniques: there is no external phase-lock loop, oscillators can be compared at different frequencies, amplititude and phase noise spectra and Allan variance may be measured simultaneously, and complex calibration techniques are eliminated. Xidex proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of calibrating a critical-dimension atomic force microscope (CD-AFM) without the use of a reference artifact in such a way that high-precision critical dimensions can be generated independently of changes in probe tip shape. We plan to demonstrate sub-nanometer repeatability for tip-to-tip calibration, and demonstrate single-point critical-dimension measurements which verify that tip-to-tip calibration removes the effects of tip shape variation and tip wear from linewidth measurements. Phase 2 will provide critical design guidance for controller design and MEMS fabrication of probes and tips for use with a commercial dual-probe system. These are our next critical steps on the path to the commercial NanoCaliperTM CD-AFM tool we are developing. Application of NIR photon counting technology is impeded by the marginal performance of available detectors. We will develop new InGaAs/InP APD designs optimized for Geiger mode photon counting, delivering ten re-designed APDs, having detection probability greater than 50% and dark count rate less than ten thousand per second. During Phase II we will develop a new computer model of the Geiger mode APD, and use the model to produce improved designs with higher photon detection probability, lower dark count rate, and less afterpulsing. At the conclusion of Phase II we will deliver a turnkey photon counting detector module to NIST incorporating these enhanced APDs. A high sensitivity laser-induced incandescence system is proposed for the detailed characterization of environmental soot. Specifically, innovative approaches have been proposed to (1) reduce the lower detection limit of soot volume fraction and increase the overall measurement range by an order of magnitude from what is currently achievable, and (2) provide PM particle size and number density measurement capability. The proposed LII technique will be capable of real-time particulate matter measurements over any engine transient operation. It will also have orders of magnitude more sensitivity than the gravimetric technique. The wide dynamic range and lower detection limit of LII make this technique a potentially preferred standard instrument for particulate matter measurements. In this program Foster-Miller (FMI)proposes to build on its extensive experience with processing and characterization of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) to develop a high emissivity (>0.999), large area (>600 cm2), variable temperature (330-600K), uniform emitting, black body radiation source that takes advantage of the unusually high emissivity of carbon nanotubes. Using SWNT's furnished by teaming partner Carbon Nanotechnologies, Inc three different SWNT structures will be evaluated on candidate substrates: random or well-ordered deposited SWNT's using proprietary exfoliation / polymer wrapping techniques previously developed by FMI; assembling the SWNT's in an ordered array perpendicular to the substrate surface, using technology developed by teaming partner Dr. Fotios Papadimitrakopoulos of the University of Connecticut; and a combination of these two techniques. During the Phase 1 effort FMI will produce and test small articles with uniformly dense SWNT thin film coatings in the three different geometries mentioned above.. The geometry yielding the highest emissivity and most uniform radiation shall be selected for further development in Phase 2 to produce prototype large area SMNT blackbody sources to be tested and delivered to NIST for evaluation as sources for high-accuracy radiometric calibrations of infrared cameras, IR focal plane arrays, and spectroradiometers. As magnetic thin-film systems became part of complex industrial applications, their composition increasingly became more complicated. A means is needed to efficiently develop and systematically characterized magnetic, electronic, and mechanical properties of advanced thin-film systems. New metrological systems are required that are capable of making on-wafer measurements on large number of sites over a large region of parameter space. Combinatorial materials techniques involve fabrication of libraries with a large number of on-wafer sites, metrologies that systematically characterize these libraries are needed. This project proposes to solve an important materials characterization problem of combinatorial film libraries. The completion of this project will result in a multi-sensor magnetic properties measurement capability and paradigm for rapidly characterizing combinatorial magnetic thin-film libraries deposited on wafers. A novel scanning system will be developed and integrated with multiple sensor types (MOKE probes and Hall microprobes). This system will obtain magnetic property data on combinatorial film libraries deposited on 37-millimeter diameter wafers. The system design is such that new sensor technologies (as they become available) can be added in order to achieve more complete magnetic properties analyses. High throughput, which is one of the system parameters, is essential to keep pace combinatorial library deposition methods. Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) proposes to further the development of NIST's Smart Space technology and demonstrate that the integrated system facilitates the interaction of persons with limited abilities in a meeting room environment. Such a demonstration will serve to simulate interest in applying Smart Space technology in real world interaction. Two individuals enter the meeting room laptop computers equipped with 802.11 wireless Ethernet. As each person comes within range, connection is achieved and nodes are established. Following connection, each laptop uploads the identity of the individual. In Phase 1, the identification record will consist of standard text descriptions of an individual (gender, race, etc.) along with a voice print. Each individual will wish to exchange PowerPoint presentations and conduct a verbal dialogue with the others. The PowerPoint presentation for every individual will also be uploaded from their PCs and distributed as requested. Each individual will be tracked as he or she moves around the room. Tracking will be performed both by audible and visual clues. The microphone array will be used to localize all sound sources. If the emitted sounds can be classified using the voice print, every individual can be identified as they are tracked. We propose to develop a robust PSL syntax based on XML and RDF that will further its role as an interlingua among various process modeling languages. In addition, we will develop the next-generation translator-generator system based on this format to automate the software development process of process-centric translation across applications and formats. One of today's greatest challenges to successful Inter-enterprise Process Engineering implementations is the lack of technology for enabling processes to be exchanged, analyzed, modified and executed as if processes were considered as core business transaction data. This necessitates the need for (a) technology and standards for process information, and (b) software tools that can interchange, extract, merge, and transform process data. Our proposed solution will solve these problems by extending the PSL standard and creating the PSL/XML syntax for increasing its adoption in industry. PSL/XML will be generic enough to incorporate future PSL extensions. It will also facilitate the development of the advanced toolkit that includes a PSL editor and a translator code generator. Our toolkit will be designed to be easily maintainable, scalable and extensible and it will require no additional programming for generating translators for new formats. Large-scale manufacturing system interoperability requires the interchange of both process and product specifications. The heterogeneity of process representations makes this difficult. NIST's Manufacturing Systems Integration Division has developed the Process Specification Language (PSL) as a means of overcoming these problems. PSL is intended to serve as an inter-lingua, a common representation that can be used to mediate between application-specific or ontologies. A fundamental part of the PSL vision is a collection of translators between PSL and these other ontologies. The challenge is to develop such translators in a manner that is both cost-effective and adequate to the needs of client applications. Our intention is to apply just-in-time (JIT) techniques to this challenge. JIT ontology mapping is a dynamic approach in which only those parts of an ontology that are needed in a given application context are translated. The research conjecture is that JIT can greatly facilitate the implementation, deployment, and maintenance of PSL extensions and translators. This project seeks proof-of-concept and prototype demonstration of a high-spatial resolution, high-sensitivity, rapid in-vitro dosimeter system for calibration and dose measurements of brachytherapy radiation sources. The present innovation utilizes the high sensitivity of Pulsed Optically Stimulated Luminescence (POSL) from Al2O3:C proprietary luminescence materials, coupled to a fiber optic delivery system. We expect measurable signals of 1 mGy in passive mode and 1 mGy/s in active mode from small (< 0.5 mm in all three dimensions) detectors with high signal-to-noise. Readout is predicted to be rapid, enabling scanning of measurements from multiple locations surrounding the source. We also test the feasibility of energy independence through calibration of several detectors of different sizes, and extrapolation to a detector size of zero. The technical implications of the innovation are the development of a system that not only solves a problem of brachytherapy source calibration, but the innovation is also designed to be used in vivo during patient treatment, thereby ensuring the same calibration device for in-vitro and in-vivo measurements. The device is free from magnetic or electrical interference and can also be used with teletherapy sources. Commercial applications of the device will be found in all radio-oncology treatment and source calibration facilities. A pressing challenge in automotive, aerospace, and other manufacturing industry is the ability to measure the mechanical properties of formed metal and alloy components on a part-by-part basis. We propose to develop a non-destructive testing system suitable for rapid on-line measurement of critical mechanical properties of steel parts as they are being produced. Our approach is based on measurement of the Barkhausen effect and hysteresis loops. The feasibility studies will focus on (1) development of material standards, (2) development of flexible and miniaturized production-compatible probes, and (3) development of novel interpretation algorithms. The materials standards will enable the NDT system to have self-calibration and auto-testing features to assure consistent and reproducible results in a production environment. The algorithms will incorporate calibration results, as well as a broad range of characteristics derived from the Barkhausen spectra and hysteresis data, in order to provide unambiguous, rapid, and robust determination of the mechanical properties of products fabricated from steel. In response to the need for improved magneto-optical indicator films for real-time characterization of magnetic domain structures, MicroCoating Technologies (MCT) proposes to enable the fabrication of epitaxial, high performance YIG magneto-optical thin films by combustion chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process at low cost. With the rapid pace of optical telecommunications and optical information process and storage, there is an increasing need for magnetic films, and magnetic film based devices and systems. Therefore, a reliable and simple imaging technique for real-time characterization of magnetic domain structures is becoming more and more important. Rapid response to customer requirements and further cost reductions are essential to respond to the future marketplace. CCVD technique offers an attractive alternative to enable synthesis of these magneto-optical thin film materials for real-time imaging applications. The success in this proposed project will enable the U.S. to maintain leadership in the global competition in this area. The end of Phase 1 objectives are a film thickness of larger than 1 mm, a surface roughness of less than 5 nm, and a Faraday rotation of larger than 100,000o/cm. The pervasiveness of handheld devices makes computational power available in diverse settings where computers were once impractical. The power of handheld devices could be improved even further if executable applications were downloaded on demand from the Internet, instead of being stored full-time in the limited memory of the handheld. However, downloading new software on demand leads to greatly increased security risks. Viruses and other malicious executables pose an even greater threat to handheld devices than to desktop machines, since a handheld has limited storage and computation power with which to enforce security. Existing handhelds have virtually no protection from software that contains hidden, malicious functionality. We will investigate a new technique for detecting malicious executables on handheld devices. Our proposed approach is based on algorithms that learn what features distinguish malicious executables from benign ones. There is reason to believe that such a system can be built not only with a smaller footprint than traditional virus detection systems, but with some ability to detect novel attacks, so that the detection software needs to be updated less often. The purpose of the Phase-I feasibility study will be to evaluate these two hypotheses. In order to compete in international markets, US companies need eCommerce applications and Web sites that can attract and retain customers from a diverse range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Through many years of work in academia and eCommerce industry, our team has developed a usability centric localization process that can meet this need. In this project, we propose to document and validate this process, and design a supporting set of tools to help Web designers and developers build global Web sites, following our localization process. In particular, we propose to build a design critiquing tool that will give localization specific feedback to designers, and an online repository of eCommerce design components that contains both localized designs, and designs with more global appeal. The contents of the repository will be managed through a rigorous online usability process. The use of real time, in situ measurements of lubricant/refrigerant viscosity can reduce maintenance costs and system downtime and improve system longevity, by allowing maintenance personnel to determine identify and correct mechanical problems, before they cause more serious problems. With the advent of MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS), the opportunity exists to develop small and inexpensive devices to measure the fluid viscosity real time and in situ. However, the temperatures, pressures, and corrosive environments inside typical refrigerant compressors exceed the capabilities of materials typically used to manufacture MEMS devices. Boston MicroSystems' proprietary technologies for micromachining harsh environment compatible SiC and AlN materials enable, for the first time, fabrication of small, inexpensive and robust MEMS-based fluid viscosity sensors for non-intrusive health monitoring and condition based maintenance of refrigeration systems, engines, and other machinery. In Phase 1, Boston MicroSystems will leverage from work on previous and ongoing FAA, ATF and NSF programs to test three already developed devices, microresonators, SAWs and FPWs, for their applicability as in situ fluid viscosity sensors for condition based maintenance of compressors in refrigerant systems. Magnetooptic Indicator (MOI) garnet films are an important non-destructive tool for imaging magnetic domains in a wide variety of applications from basic research to quality control. To be effectively used they must be 1) optimized for individual applications using interactive feedback from users, 2) standardized to allow comparison of data, 3) improved in quality and process control and 4) made generally available in large film size. Integrated Photonics will apply its proprietary Liquid Phase Epitaxial (LPE) film growth technology to make planar bismuth-doped, rare-earth iron garnet films suitable for room temperature MOIs with high resolution, good gray-scale contrast and high sensitivity. The films will be coated with suitable mirror and passivation layers to form devices for domain visualization. Feedback from users will be utilized to optimize film properties with respect to applications. Initial investigations will begin on property variations necessary for improved low temperature operation. Group III-nitrides with their wide bandgap properties are one of most promising materials not only in opto-electronics but also in high power and high temperature electronics. A critical issue in device applications of the nitride materials is the metal ohmic contact, which seriously limits the performance and efficiency of nitride-based devices. Finding suitable low-resistance Ohmic contacts for wide-bandgap materials like GaN is challenging due to high Schottky barrier between wide bandgap semiconductors and metal contacts. Especially in p-type GaN the low carrier concentration and large effective mass increase the contact resistance even higher. With its proprietary high throughput combinatorial approaches, Intematix proposes to modify the surface doping level of p-type GaN by placing group II elements. With the optimized composition and metallization process, at least two orders of improvement in low resistance contacts are targeted. This project identifies a new approach to silicon x-ray detector technology wherein: (i) the detector geometry is changed to provide a much lower capacitance for a given active area and volume, (ii) the conventional Si(Li) detector is replaced with a stable, oxide-passivated, low leakage-current, deep sensitive-depth, v-type Si element, and (iii) the conventional FET in the preamplifier is replaced with an on-wafer FET with improved high frequency noise. The low capacitance and lower preamplifier noise will allow operation at shorter pulse processing times, which in turn will allow higher operating temperatures and improved count rate capability. This approach, which is compatible with hermetic encapsulation, will provide a rugged, environmentally stable Detector/ASIC amplifier package with improved detection efficiency at both high and low x-ray energies, improved count rate capability, and good energy resolution at higher operating temperatures. This proposal addresses the need for accurate, self-referencing temperature measurement in cancer treatments such as hyperthermia and RF ablation. In all of these therapies, conventional metallic sensors such as thermocouples are unattractive because they either interact with the heating field (hyperthermia, RF ablation) or have excessive thermal conductivity (cryoablation). Integrated Photonics Technology (IPITEK) is the leader in fiberoptic temperature sensing for cancer treatment, and our unique temperature sensing technology is currently in Phase 2 FDA trials for microwave cancer treatments. In this work, we also propose to investigate the use of nanoparticle colloids for heat dispersion through our numerous collaborations in the thermal therapy field. In addition, we will investigate a novel technique for endpoint detection in cancer treatments of this type. At the end of Phase 1 IPITEK will deliver to NIST a fully-functional (not prototype) multi-sensor unit with probes suitable for thermal therapy use. Due to our advances and experience in this area, IPITEK is uniquely qualified to provide this product and can deliver an instrument with unsurpassed performance and unequalled features. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project proposes to develop a femtosecond laser system optimized for optical clocks and other precision metrology applications. In principle, atomic optical transitions have the potential to provide radically higher-accuracy timekeeping, because of the very high frequency of an optical transition. The problem of counting, or down-counting, the oscillations of the optical transition has been solved by self-referenced frequency division of the comb of frequencies generated by a femtosecond laser. This Phase 1 SBIR will work towards passively and actively stabilizing the laser repetition rate, as well as its power and bandwidth, to create a "hands-off" clock source that will run uninterrupted for long periods of time. New approaches to broader bandwidth lasers will also be investigated, both via feasibility study and experiment. The focus of this Phase 2 SBIR is to develop three new optically based electric current measurement standards for NIST. These standards comprise methods for very accurately calibrating current transformers that have digital outputs, are DC coupled, and have noise riding on the output. The development of these standards is a part of our larger business strategy of embarking on a new venture focused on providing high quality metering services to the electric power transmission grid operators. Precision Lightwave Instruments is teaming with NxtPhase, Inc. in Phoenix, AZ and others to create this business. Achieving unprecedented accuracies in the measurement of electric current at high voltage is one of several key technology development programs necessary for the success of this venture. The near chiral purity of the biosphere leads to a vast array of chiro-specific physiological responses. This chiro-specificity, in turn, gives rise to the need for the manufacturing of enantiomerically pure chiral chemicals, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, food additives, pigments, etc. Critical to the efficacy of both chiro-specific biology and chiro-synthesis/separation are the interfacial regions of chiral surface layers. Vescent Photonics proposes to develop an entirely new metrology technique designed to investigate chiral surface layers. The technique combines the established fields of optical activity (circular dichroism and optical rotary dispersion) for chiro-specificity with evanescent wave sensing for surface selectivity. The device employs a new polarization modulator, with demonstrated speeds of greater than 200 kHz and great potential for compact, and economic construction. We will develop a compact external cavity stabilization system, which will employ independent electro-optic control over the optical path length of the cavity and a wavelength-selective element. The system should be able to cover a 30 nm range and give mode-hop-free tuning over 20 nm intervals. The design of the feedback system will be compatible with any commercially available laser diode from 630 nm to 2 ?m including emerging 400 nm lasers. The feedback element is entirely electro-optic, compact and robust. In Phase 2 we will combine a commercially available laser diode at 1400 nm with our external cavity to produce a compact laser for water vapor spectroscopy. Firefighters have expressed the need for both increased accuracy in fire detection systems and greater access to environmental information in the event of a fire. To accomplish both tasks, Williams-Pyro, Inc. proposes to develop the Smart Environmental Monitoring System (SEMS). This system comprises both an advanced fire detection system and the networking capability necessary to provide real-time data to emergency personnel. This device will utilize a multi-sensor suite to measure optical radiation, temperature, gases, and smoke produced by a fire. These sensors send their results to an embedded microcontroller that determines the presence of flame through use of an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm. The ANN sends its response to a network switch that connects it to the building's network. From there, the response can be viewed on a display system, called the fire console, located outside the building or within its common entrance. Along with the location of the fire, the SEMS will show the direction of the fire, the building's temperature, and the presence of harmful gases. High performance fiberoptic switch is an enable technology for new generation optical telecommunication and fully secured quantum communication/cryptography applications. Current fiberoptic switches do not simultaneously meet the requirements of high speed, low loss, high extinction ratio, and high reliability. Based on the successful development/production of a variety of industrial leading solid-state high speed fiberoptic switches, Agiltron Incorporated proposes to fabricate a novel total reflection switch, using electro-optical crystals with large electro-optic effect and excellent thermal stability. The small loss tangent of the new crystal at high frequencies permits operation of these devices at high speed. This breakthrough fiberoptic switch platform holds the promise of realizing practical high-speed optical switches with performance and cost that is not attainable before. By using novel material engineered, the proposed electro-optic switch offers leading edge performance attributes, which include high-speed, low optical insertion loss, and easy binary drive. The design eliminates the need for organic materials and waveguides, as well as temperature compensation and feedback control, which introduce intrinsic drawbacks. Moreover, the design is extremely simple, compact, lightweight, ultra reliable, temperature insensitive and polarization independent, and cost effective. It is anticipated that state-of-the-art performance in several key specifications can be achieved through this program. Prototype electro-optic 1x4 switches will be fabricated to demonstrate functionality in Phase I. Robotic researchers currently are using insufficient and varying robot platforms to investigate issues crucial to the successful development of a remote reconnaissance tool for the urban search and rescue (USAR) community. USAR robotic researchers need a standard robot platform designed for research in unstructured environments. This platform would accelerate the research essential to advancing remote reconnaissance technology for emergency response professionals. The project utilizes three innovative approaches: tailoring the platform for USAR research, assigning robotic and USAR specialists to the project, and incorporating the robotic and USAR field requirements that influence the platform development. The objective for Phase I of this work is to determine a practical and economical platform to satisfy the needs of researchers. This proposal seeks NIST support for the development of a robust gas microsensor platform from nanoporous alumina ceramic. Conventional microsensors have limited application in harsh conditions, such as in the exhaust streams, due to their low stability at temperatures above 500°C. Furthermore, this also limits implementation of sensors that require high temperature for their operation. We propose a concept that has a potential to overcome these limitations and provide a microplatform for sensing in harsh conditions. Our innovation combines nano- and microfabrication with self-organized nanostructured ceramic to create low power, high surface area, fast response, robust microsensors. Using this approach, we have already demonstrated several types of microsensors. This Phase 1 project now targets comprehensive development of this ceramic microplatform in support of chemically and mechanically robust microsensors for applications that demand reliability in extended operation and could be heated in excess of 800°C. The ability to pattern multilayered polymers on a micro-level is valuable to a large number of applications in microelectronic manufacturing. Applications range from printing dielectric coatings and polymer resistors to printing active devices such as polymer LEDs and polymer transistors. The advantages of ink jet printing are: (1) one station can print multi-fluids, (2) non-flat substrates could be used (non-contact printing process), (3) it is a data-driven process so no hard tooling is required since meaning shorter change-out times, (4) it is an additive process so it generates very little waste, and (5) one piece of equipment can replace multiple manufacturing stations. The objectives of Phase 1 are to demonstrate patterning several polymers that are of interest to NIST and to create guidelines for developing polymer printing applications. Phase 1 will identify the key technical issues that need to be addressed in order to create a robust manufacturing process. MicroFab will leverage its experience in printing system development and polymer printing experience to accomplish these objectives. Completion of a development program to print polymeric coatings in multilayer patterns on a variety of substrates will bring through the emerging technology productive benefits to the factory floor. A wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence detector working in soft x-ray region has been proposed based on the diffraction principles of multilayers. Using graded multilayers, the detectors can be made tunable in a wide energy region, just the same way as the detector constructed for hard x-rays. The detector uses multilayers as analyzers to achieve good energy resolution and to avoid count rate problems encountered by solid state detectors. Initial evaluation shows that it is possible to achieve an energy resolution of 10-30 eV at 600 eV to 1KeV range. The proposed array detector will be able to cover 5 to 10% of solid angle at a reasonable cost. Phase 1 project will evaluate the performance of multilayer detector with various deposition and design parameters. A multilayer detector, containing 2-3 multilayer elements, will be fabricated and fully tested. Phase 2 will optimize the design based on the Phase 1I result, and a multilayer analyzer array detector will be constructed and tested. The proposed research comprises design, analysis, and ultimate fabrication and operation of a microfabricated array of quadrupole mass spectrometers (QMS). The design capitalizes on recent advances in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and molecular-beam-epitaxy (MBE) technology so that the device can be mass-produced on a chip. In addition to analyzing a single element QMS in Phase 1, investigators will pursue architectures for multiplexing this geometry to a micromachined array of QMS on a single chip (mAQMS). The analyses of feasibility and expected performance of mAQMS will be guided by the proposing team's demonstrated success in developing similar micro-machined quadrupole ion traps. By implementing the quadrupole element in a massively parallel array, it may be possible to either individually tune filter elements to dedicated mass species allowing real-time sampling and circumventing the need for timely scans, or increase the detection efficiency of the micro-array by simultaneously sampling a given mass with a large number of individual detectors and filters. CAD CAM technologies have had an immense impact on the product development process in the last two decades. Current technologies, however, have limited knowledge representation and computational capabilities to enable collaboration of design decisions beyond commercial Internet based collaboration tools. In the Phase 1 Lateral Eye proposes to develop a new framework for Knowledge Integrated computational tools for the capture, storage, retrieval and reuse of design knowledge among geographically and temporally distributed design teams. The proposed approach will be based on developing an ontological based product system. This will significantly reduce the number of iterations and redesigns that are common in a distributed design environment, potentially yielding a saving of over 100 - 200 million dollars for companies in the United States each year. An opportunity exists to develop an Intelligent Condition Based Maintenance System (ICBMS) to provide "early warning" of equipment maintenance needs.  Adaptive process models will estimate changes in machine health from analysis of sensor inputs and machine usage.  A troubleshooting and repair knowledge base will provide advice on maintenance scheduling and procedures, and thus support ongoing operations and training of new staff.  ICBMS will minimize the cost and disruption of maintenance, repair and unscheduled downtime.  Innovations include the use of advanced modeling technologies including neural nets to provide "virtual sensors" and to estimate critical but unmeasurable process and machine health parameters and other available information.  Our Automated Knowledge Acquisition technology will extract structured rules by analyzing operational decisions and problem solving approaches provided by machine operators and maintenance staff.  Objectives include preliminary process modeling, acquisition of troubleshooting and maintenance expertise suitable for automated knowledge extraction, and a preliminary conceptual design of ICBMS outlying system elements integration strategies and functionality. Usability is increasingly being recognized a s a distinguishing aspect of successful applications on the web.  Many web design tools are available but most offer no guidance to the user as to how to design for usability or accessibility.  A number of syntactic evaluation tools, allowing an automated scan of the code and inferences about possible usability or accessibility shortfalls have been developed, including the WEBSAT tool developed by NIST, but all are limited in their scope and applicability.  The present effort will delineate the need for and conceptualize and overall design for an Intelligent Assistant for Web Usability Design.  This Assistant would include a syntactic analyzer, perhaps incorporating WEBSAT, but would extend the functionality by providing the web developer with more extensive design suggestions or guideline resources in a context sensitive manner.  The Phase 1 project will culminate in a working proof of concept demonstration of this Intelligent Assistant, illustrating the approach, architecture, and look and feel. Current state of the art technology for specifying and enforcing security policies for software is generally too inflexible and coarse-grained. In systems that make use of mobile code, such as Java applets, the situation is yet more difficult. A more flexible and powerful approach is needed that will allow a wide range of security policies to be set by various policy-setting authorities for different applications. We propose to commercialize mechanisms for specifying and enforcing security policies for mobile code that work by inserting fragments of code into programs in order to monitor their state and prevent them from violating security policies. The proposed system will allow arbitrary policies to be specified independently by different policy-setting authorities. We will apply this approach, named Inclined Reference Monitors(IRMs), to Java bytecodes. We believe that advanced static-analysis techniques, in particular those embodies in our own dependence-graph technology, are crucial to allow this to be done efficiently and fully automatically. Discrete-event simulation is used by thousands of companies to design new manufacturing systems and to improve the performance of existing ones. Manufacturing systems contain numerous sources of randomness such as machine times to failure and machine repair times, which greatly impact on system performance. If each source of system randomness is not modeled by an appropriate probability distribution, then it is highly likely that the simulation model will produce erroneous performance results, resulting in costly decisions. If the system of interest exists in some form, then it will often be possible to collect date and to use statistical techniques to determine an appropriate probability distribution. However, if the system does not exist, then collecting date is impossible and an analyst is forced to use a somewhat arbitrary distribution. To address this real and important problem, we propose a Phase 1 research study to determine the technical feasibility of developing (in Phase 2) a library of probability distributions that would be appropriate for difference common sources of randomness encountered in simulation models of manufacturing systems. Researchers at the NIST have demonstrated a programmable Voltage Standard(VS) chip based on SNS (superconductor-normal-superconductor) tunnel junction technology. Excellent programmable VS were demonstrated using this SNS technology in a liquid helium-based system. At HYPRES, we have developed and commercialized a Closed Cycle Refrigerator (CCR_-based DC Voltage standard system using a VS chip previously developed and integrated into a liquid helium-based system at NIST. Under this program, we propose to develop a high performance cryogenic package for this programmable VS chip for integration with a CCR system. This developmental work will involve collaborations between HYPRES, NIST and Dr. Clark Hamilton to develop the package and integrate it with a NIST-provided CCR. In Phase 1 of the program, we deliver the complete cryogenic package to NIST upon completion of the program. In Phase 2, HYPRES will procure a CCR system and develop and demonstrate a complete CCR-based programmable VS system. This system has many other applications such as D/A converters and signal synthesizers. Phase 1 will establish the feasibility of the concept and Phase 2 will lead to a prototype system. A few years ago, an effort launched by members of this group to perform very high frequency Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) measurements, resulted in a system capable of acquiring data with up to 1000Hz. A spectacular opportunity has recently emerged that will allow us to make a leap forward in DPIV technology. Speed and resolution of the new generation of cameras has increased by one order of magnitude. In short time, cameras will be available with maximum speed up to 60,000 frames-per-sec and maximum resolution of 1K x 1K pixels. It is proposed to capitalize on our previous experience and on recent technological advances to perform research towards the development of a system able to resolve turbulent multiPhase flow fields with frequencies of 4KHz or more. Emphasis is placed in this project on technology validation, demonstration and comparison of the proposed system with conventional well-established methods. In addition, great consideration will be given in the maturation of the technology and its transition all the way from research and development, in laboratory and industry applications. Laser-Doppler velocimetry (LDV), particle-image velocimetry (PIV) and hot-wire anemometry (HWA) are the methods which are most often used in a laboratory environment to measure flows at high frequency. However, these systems have drawbacks in industrial settings such as intolerance to particulate flows (HWA) or two-Phase flows (LDV, HWA), requiring optical access (LDV, PIV), etc. Moreover are very expensive and require extensive training. Aeroprobe has funded the development and recently licensed technology for the exclusive marketing of the Omniprobe, a nearly omni-directional multi-hole velocity probe capable of measuring reversed flows. Aeroprobe is proposing to push the multi-sensor probe technology envelope further by developing Omniprobes that have high frequency response, can withstand high temperatures and can operate in dusty environments, or in sprays. It is proposed to develop probes to meet one of the three challenges at a time, then combine the advances in the three technologies into one probe at a later Phase of the effort. A high-frequency Omniprobe requires that appropriate sensors be mounted near the surface of the probe. Surface mounting of the sensors will also increase the probe's ability to operate in dusty environments. High-temperature sensors of the MEMS-type and new cooling techniques for these sensors will be employed. More than 20 years after the advent of balloon angioplasty restenosis remains a major health risk and cost burden. Success in animal trials and treatments in other non-malignant lesions using radiotherapy has established a new branch of medical science, intravascular brachytherapy (IVB) in treating restenosis. In just over 6 years since the first application, there are today more than 500,000 operations a year in USA alone. Successful treatment will depend critically on the delivery of proper radiation dosage to the vascular site. Radioactive strength and uniformity of the IVB sources used are of primary concern. This program takes a sensitive, well proven radiation detection technology and couples it to an innovative imaging approach for the characterization of IVB line/seed-train sources. The end product is a fast, accurate and low-cost 3-D imaging systems for the profiling of IVB line sources. A 2-D system will be tested in Phase 1 for both gamma and ß IVB sources. The results will be used for the design of a 3-D system to be constructed in Phase 2. Security is of critical importance for e-business systems, in which multiple internal and external enterprise applications and data are linked into one integrated system. It is a key factor that will determine how comfortable successful companies and their associated constituents are going to be with the idea of integrated e-business systems and the virtual enterprise. Existing proprietary access control APIs, schemes and representations have made uniform access semantics a very elusive and very expensive goal in the enterprise. To address this issue, it is necessary to develop standardized, platform agnostic and semantically meaningful representations for access control models. XML has been used in great effect to interchange and model data in a platform dependent fashion and it can be effectively used to represent complex access control relationships. Civil Engines Research plans to develop schemas that will effectively model enterprise access control ontologies and semantics in an extensible and interoperable manner. We plan on developing the schema instance processors and development tools necessary to enable the enforcement of access controls in an enterprise scenario. Phase 1 of this program will focus on assessing and demonstrating the feasibility of this approach by architecting and prototyping common access control models using XML Schema and the W3C recommended system for representing lightweight ontologies, RDF. Thermal neutrons are among the most useful probes for investigation of the structural, magnetic and acoustic properties of materials. Current methods of thermal neutron detection by large cumbersome gas counters or scintillator-photomultiplier tube combinations are limited by their detection efficiency, stability of response, speed of operation, and physical size. To address these needs, EIC plans to construct a large-area, lightweight, high-resolution, and very fast position sensitive thermal neutron detector based on a highly B-doped a-Se (As, Cl) alloy semiconductor. The proposed detector would offer high detection efficiency over existing instruments, and would be inexpensive for industrial mass production. The Phase 1 project will focus on the development and optimization of the B-doped a-Se alloy materials, detector fabrication, and performance evaluation by radiation testing. The Phase 1 research will establish the basic feasibility studies followed by various characterizations to reach optimum detector performance. The resulting detectors will be compact, low power consuming devices, highly sensitive, and rugged. The developed detectors will find widespread use in nuclear non-proliferation, radiation safety, structural characterization in materials research, protein dynamics, monitoring chemical and biological reactions in "real time", and in characterizing polymer surfaces. A NIST/industry consortium identified accurate temperature distribution measurements, as one of the major technical needs of polymer processors. NIST developed a way to make spatially resolved temperature measurements. Add a small amount of dye. During processing, focus UV illumination onto a small volume element of the process material. Use the ratio of the resulting fluorescent intensities at two wavelengths to determine the temperature. Move the focal point up and down to construct temperature profiles. The proposed Phase 1 would evaluate the feasibility of this technology for meeting the stated need. We would build a prototype with improved spatial resolution, motorized positioning and a spectrometer rather than filters for detection. Results would include the prototype, a characterization of its performance, range of operation and the influence of process and material conditions, and a comparison with the needs of industry. A negative outcome in Phase 1 would imply that some fundamental limitation exists. A positive outcome would imply that the technology can probably meet industry's needs. The key innovation of this proposal is the use of Time Modulated Ultra-Wideband (TM-UWB) technology to develop a low cost radio system that allows both voice communication and tracking positions of fire fighters inside buildings. This radio has several characteristics which make it ideal for tracking multiple individuals without line-of-sight. During Phase 1 we have performed many tests, including basic ranging, 3-D position determination, communication through fire, smoke, steam, and different kinds of walls. We have developed a new system architecture to track the location of a fire fighter, which is more scalable, less sensitive to errors due to multipath and wall penetration than the multilateration based scheme, and does not require clock synchronization. This scheme uses a two-antenna array which transmits two consecutive TM-UWB pulses. The fire fighter carries a receive-only TM-UWB tag which will receive these pulses. By measuring the Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) of these pulses, the mobile unit can calculate the Angle of Arrival (AOA), which in turn gives the 3-D location. During Phase 2, we will conduct more extensive tests to characterize the multipath effects, noise problem, material penetration, etc. We will implement the AOA architecture and construct prototype tags and a base unit. This is a Phase 2 proposal to develop an instrument to simultaneously measure particle size, velocity, and concentration in applications characterized by a large size range and high particle concentration. The instrument will be based on the Pulse Displacement Technique whose feasibility was demonstrated during Phase 1. Experiments performed during Phase 1 demonstrated a high accuracy in measuring spherical particles and the ability to measure nonspherical particles undergoing oscillation. The technique bases its measurement on accurate time-domain algorithms that are immune to fluctuations in laser intensity. The Phase 2 work will consist of developing a system prototype including all the hardware and software for real-time measurement of sprays, system testing with known-size particles, and system testing with realistic sprays. Phase 1 measurements with calibrated glass beads and calibrated liquid sprays showed a remarkable accuracy that placed the measurement within the particle manufacturer's tolerances. Based on the results of Phase 1 we anticipate that the system prototype will be able to measure the size of 10 µm to 4 mm and a downpour of 200 cm/hr as stated in the solicitation. Based on the outline for a theory of intelligence, and using NIST's hierarchical real-time control system (RCS) architecture, in Phase 1, we developed proof-of-concept OpenSim and OpenAnimation toolboxes consisting of the following innovations, namely, (i) Simulation and Animation Software Design that will seamlessly interface with RCS Hierarchy, (ii) Knowledge hierarchy consistent with the four key paradigms and four key elements of the theory of intelligence, (iii) Identification of an extensive collection of simulation models and algorithms that will lead to implementation level software for the knowledge hierarchy, (iv) Real-time Simulation that reduces computational load through efficient numerical algorithms, intelligent dynamic modeling, and real time planning, and (v) Structured Approach to GUI and Animation Development. Unlike existing software tools that cover one or two aspects of intelligent systems design and implementation, OpenSim & OpenAnimiation toolboxes provide a unified environment for design and rendering of intelligent systems with features that allow seamless transition from non real-time simulation to real-time simulation and subsequent hardware testing using industry standard mechatronics hardware. In Phase 2 we will develop detailed software that incorporate the innovations described above leading the commercial OpenSim and OpenAnimation toolboxes. This SBIR Phase 2 project will significantly improve the quality of elemental analysis in SEMS under partial pressure conditions by using a polycapillary x-ray optic in front of the energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) in low-vacuum scanning electron microscopes (LV-SEM) or environmental SEMs (ESEM). LV-SEMS and ESEMs are designed to work at elevated sample chamber pressures to allow analysis of nonconductive or moist specimens. An undesirable consequence results from the broadening electron beam due to the presence of the gas. This degrades the elemental-detection sensitivity, because the fluorescent x rays generated far from the center of the electron probe create high background. It also greatly reduces spatial resolution for elemental mapping. The Phase 1 results have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed approach. In the Phase 2, a fully-functional prototype polycapillary optic-based EDS will be built and demonstrated in a commercial LV-SEM system. This will include an optimized polycapillary x-ray optic with a large collecting angle, optic detector mounting, detector-SEM mounting which provides fine alignment, an operating procedure, and examples of application data. The team involved world leaders in developing and commercially providing x-ray optics and EDS systems. This Phase 2 SBIR Project will provide optimization framework and technology for Interoperable Message Passing Interface Technology, and the underlying Message Passing Interface Standard. This effort represents a challenge and Opportunity. With the emergence of cluster computing, there are many opportunities to connect diverse parallel programming Environments based on the MPI programming model; currently interoperation is almost non-existent between such Environments. The IMPI standard by itself addresses basic interoperability, and the results of this effort will drive performance of collective communication higher, in order to promote wider use of interoperable MPI for demanding performance situations. Interestingly, the practical support for high performance interoperable MPI's, and collective operations places important Technical constraints on the underlying MPI implementations, including the ability to handle multiple network protocol stacks efficiently (called "devices" in MPI nomenclature). Proposer's underlying technology is particularly suited to adaptation to this task, moreso than are public-domain implementations of MPI. The effort will lead to wider use of interoperable parallel programming environments through the IMPI standard, and will widen the space of potential applications of IMPI-oriented parallel programming to additional Commercially valuable applications which need support for such heterogeneity. Proposer will commercialize the technology Devised here through incorporation into MPI products. Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) has become a very popular tool in many areas of inquiry including surface science, semiconductor electronic devices and integrated circuit design and testing, biology and chip-tissue interface, to name a few. Here we propose to develop and commercialize a relatively new family of local probes capable of performing electromagnetic measurements with nearly atomic resolution over a wide frequency range covering up to 100 GHz. Potential applications of these so called near-field or evanescent probes (EMP) are in surface science, chemical sensing, molecular electronics and molecular spectroscopy, biological studies, quantum computing, IC industry and manufacturing quality control to name a few. Composed of a co-planar wave-guide terminated by an AFM compatible cantilever beam with a co-axial tip, these EMP's were designed and tested during a Phase 1I SBIR and the current proposal is to optimize the performance and fabrication technology. To facilitate their wide spread use by the SPM community, we will also develop a microwave instrumentation unit (MIU) that can be used to retrofit commercial SPM units and enable them to use our EMP's for microwave imaging of various specimens. We will also develop, design and fabricate a variety of calibration samples as standards for EMP calibration and quantification of its output signal. We have estimated that about 100 laboratories around the world would be interested in an add-on package and would be valued at $20000 for a total of $2,000,000. The market for replacement tips would be about 5000 tips at $100 per tip for a total market of $500,000 per year. As flip-chip bonding becomes the predominant standard in the electronics industry, the increased proximity between dice surfaces and packaging materials will require a significant reduction in the latter's alpha particle activity in order to avoid soft errors. Emission rates at or below 0.001 a/cm2/hr are desirable, which is well below the 0.0050 a/cm2/hr capability of today's best detectors. We have developed an active background suppression scheme that dramatically improves the performance of a gas-filled parallel plate chamber, yielding a sensitivity of 0.00017 a/cm2/hr. In Phase 2, we propose to design and build a prototype commercial detector using this scheme to achieve a sensitivity of 0.00005-0.0001 a/cm2/hr. To achieve this goal, we will improve both our background suppression scheme and the instrumentation on the detector. Phase 3 development would then be carried out at XIA to produce a marketable commercial detector. This SBIR Phase 2I program will demonstrate prototype galvanic isolating devices of high-speed/low-power by incorporating high-speed magnetic films into giant magnetoresistive structures and by combining with high-speed IC electronics. The new devices will have five important improvements over existing devices, a factor of 10 faster, without a drive IC chip, a flip-chip approach, a lower supply voltage, and without incidental latching. High-speed magnetic films require less power to switch at the same speed in the ns range. The elimination of the driver chip will lower the power requirement, complexity and cost. Flip-chip technology will enhance the yield and provide a fast way for prototyping new devices at a low cost. A low voltage is intrinsic in reducing power and increasing speed. These improved isolating receiver and transceiver devices will meet the demand of the next generation high-speed data communications. Based on the results achieved in Phase 1I program, we plan to fabricate spin valve bridges using high-speed magnetic films, and make them compatible with fast IC electronics. The end devices will have the state of the art static properties, a high operating speed of 1 GBaud, a reasonably low budget, and a low cost. High performance NIR APDs suitable for photon counting are presently unavailable. New high sensitivity, high speed photodetectors operating from 1.0 to 1.6 microns are needed for both military and commercial applications. New research has demonstrated APD structures, which use a Si multiplication region and an InGaAs absorption region. This device shows high sensitivity, very high speed, low noise and high temperature and voltage stability. However, the developed for high speed 1540 nm optical fiber communication, specifically high GB product, these APDs have high dark current (dark count) and low gain (10-20) and are not suited for lower speed photon counting applications. Our Phase 1 research identified new detector architectures suitable for photon counting:. These detectors provide high internal gain (50-500) and low dark current. The high gain can be achieved at relatively low bias (below breakdown) such that photon counting is possible without passive or active quenching. On Phase 2, we propose to fabricate the NIR photodiodes and monolithically integrate these detectors with low noise CMOS readouts by a new epitaxial layer process and calibrate the detectors at NIST facilities. As ever more of industry and commerce moves onto electronic networks, there is a growing appreciation for the usefulness of expressive general models of enterprise activities, such as design and manufacturing. Ontologies are commitments to formal declarative multi-purpose representations with clear semantics that can serve as a solid foundation for such models. While there has been much work on representation languages, and on tools for creating, browsing, editing, and translating expressions in such languages, there has been relatively little attention to supporting the larger process of figuring out what ought to be encoded in an ontology. Some existing tools support collaborative teams, but by and large they seem to assume that all team members will be AI experts and that the work will focus on generation and manipulation of formal expressions. In this project, we propose to develop a complete prototype of a Domain Expert Collaborative Ontology Development environment (DECODE) that ensures those who best understand the domain, but least understand the technology of ontology, can make necessary contributions to the development process. DECODE will support development of ontologies in the context of solving systems integration problems; this systems integrations payoff will help to motivate investment in ontology development. MicroEnergy Technologies, Inc. (MicroET) and the University of Washington propose to demonstrate the feasibility and the major advantages of a unique high heat flux cooling module which combines innovations in heat rejection with innovative rosette pump design to achieve heat rejection rates in excess of 1000 W/cm2 from the surface of a substrate. The most critical innovation is the use of ceramic nanoparticles suspension (i.e., SiC or aluminum oxide nanofluid) used as the heat rejection medium in which intense nucleate boiling produce extremely high heat fluxes. The piezoelectric rosette micropump geometry is integrated into the rosette cooling module to maintain a high enough flow rate through the parallel array of microchannels for efficient cooling. The proposed approach allows for distributed cooling of the electronics without the need for external pumping and the ability to provide localized control. During Phase I, we will perform analytical and computational modeling for system design and analysis, experimentally demonstrate the significant advantages and improvements in cooling system performance. The final product, ultra high heat flux thermal management system, in addition to application in defense technologies, will have a significant commercial value to a broader industry, including the aerospace and space electronics manufacturers. Efficient distributed cooling will reduce the risk of system failure, increase system throughput, and reduce the complexity, size, and weight of the system. The goal of this Phase 1 proposal is to examine the technical feasibility of a cognitive performance self-assessment wearable computer system for operational deployment. We will use the standardized and validated software for assessment of cognitive performance, ANAM - Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, which is a set of computer administered and scored tests of cognitive processing efficiency. An ANAM testbed will be developed that can evaluate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and developing technologies. We will then evaluate the technical feasibility of the major system components - Speech input and control, visual and auditory display, and alternative input devices. Human factors issues will be addressed through a user-centered design process including initial and final design reviews by an expert panel, focus groups with potential system users, and laboratory based usability tests. AnthroTronix, Incorporated, has extensive experience developing advanced human-computer interface for a variety of military operational environments and has assembled a world class group of consultants to act as our expert panel. The system identified in Phase 1 will be developed and tested in Phase 2 and expanded in Phase 3 to include other military and consumer applications. We propose to develop a comprehensive team SA measurement system to provide direct insight into soldier dynamic knowledge and decision skills at various levels of small squad command and in major types of military operations in urban terrain (MOUT). The system will integrate a real-time measure of team SA for use during soldier immersion in VR simulators and a post-immersion measure for integration in after action reviews. We will also describe an approach for integrating the results of these measures to provide a comprehensive analysis of SA based on objective data and subjective perceptions of participants. Phase II work will be a direct extension of Phase I and will involve development of a prototype of the measurement system and sample scenarios to validate and assess the usability of the measurement system. The resulting measure will help optimize Army VE training capabilities in terms of identifying suitable protocols/scenarios for small team mission skill development, assessing and providing feedback on individual dismounted soldier/land warrior readiness for battlefield situations. We expect the measurement system to be highly sensitive to VE training scenario manipulations and predictive of soldier decision making and MOUT mission performance. The most immediate commercialization potentials for the new comprehensive measure of SA in (virtual) training applications includes: public safety officer emergency operations training, state/federal crime scene investigator training, and tactical military/defense support team traiing. These types of units might train for such small-scale operations in high-fidelity VR scenarios. For these organizations the safety of their personnel, and those they support in service, in highly varied and critical situations is dependent on a rapid assessment of and understanding of the situation. Operations in these organizations are similar to small-scale Infantry operations and military SASO activities. The SA measurement product(s) developed through this SBIR should be applicable to these other organizations identified above, following some modifications for task/domain differences. Although there are clear individual differences in the ability to perform well in stressful, rapidly-changing multitasking environments such as those found in military command and control operations and in civilian aviation, current standardized tests are inadequate for confidently predicting who will excel in such critical jobs. We thus propose to develop and validate a computerized test to assess multitasking ability under speeded conditions. This project will leverage our experience with measuring individual differences in intelligence, working memory, and multitasking ability, and combine it with the efforts of others who have focused on the development of an abstract test of multitasking ability suitable for personnel selection. In Phase I we will program a Multitasking Test (MTT) that manipulates time pressure and event occurrence density, factors that are crucial determinants of successful decision making in complex dynamic situations. We will also collect data to begin to evaluate the MTT's learning curve, its retest reliability, and the cognitive load it imposes as a function of varying task difficulty. In Phase II a large formal study will be conducted to establish the sensitivity of the MTT to individual differences in multitasking ability and to evaluate its relationship to general intelligence and working memory ability. There is an important societal need for better tools for selecting personnel capable of performing well in jobs that make a high demand on multitasking abilities, especially in contexts where errors can have high costs and impact public safety. There is also growing need for tools to facilitate research on attentional multiplexing, and for a clinical test of attentional multiplexing. If successful, this project could lead to the development and commercialization of a test of multiplexing ability with widespread utility and significant market potential. Cleveland Medical Devices Inc. proposes to design and develop a test system where the installation and maintenance of a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) will become simple and routine. The device will be a low cost handheld unit that has a simple user interface for less skilled users and also have more sophisticated capability for those tough to identify problems. It will have a go/no go mode for quick check out and also more in-depth capabilities all the way up to a 802.11 network emulator. There is significant interest in WLAN technology since it overcomes many limitations of wired LANs and can be deployed in military facilities and environments relatively quickly. Many challenges are encountered when planning a WLAN deployment and ensuring that mission critical networked applications are optimized to achieve adequate service levels. Currently, no single suite of COTS products can be used to plan and design an optimized WLAN for the special requirements and applications of the DoD. There is a crucial need for a comprehensive, affordable WLAN deployment planner that integrates the attributes of typical WLAN design software with the attributes of technologically sophisticated software for planning, analyzing and optimizing communications networks and networked applications. The WLAN planning software envisaged integrates these important attributes to produce a product that will facilitate WLAN trade-off analysis (coverage, bandwidth), reduce infrastructure and operational costs (equipment, cabling, installation), optimize network and application performance, and satisfy network security requirements. Gaming technologies offers flexibility not possible with classroom-delivered training and enable instructors to train more students faster. Instructional games offer the strong potential to increase understanding and retention of learning materials and engage and motivate learners. We propose to develop a system for Automated Link Analysis for Data-mining of Distributed INformation (ALADDIN) to detect bioterrorist attacks. ALADDIN will use ontology-based data modeling for integrating heterogeneous and distributed data sources of bioterrorism information. In addition to traditional sources such as hospital and ambulatory-care records, ALADDIN will incorporate data from other potentially relevant sources, such as intelligence agencies, Customs databases, and INS records. ALADDIN will include a manual link discovery tool to support the investigation of inter-person or inter-organizational links between otherwise autonomous data sources (e.g., linking the INS file of a suspected terrorist with a Custom's Service record of that person importing a shipment of hazardous chemicals). ALADDIN will also incorporate Bayesian belief network (BN) technology for automatically identifying data sources for potential leads. BN models will be used to represent interrelationships among various domain relevant concepts such as terrorist activities, diseases, and symptoms, thus allowing for the integration of both clinical and non-clinical information in the detection of potential bioterrorism attacks. We intend to rapidly develop a prototype based on: 1) a domain ontology encoded with Prot‚g‚ 2000 from SMI; 2) the link analysis tool Strategist from our strategic business partner Electronic Warfare Associates (EWA); and 3) our in-house BN engine BNET 2000. We see several potential commercial applications of the proposed link analysis system for detecting potential bioterrorism threats. The technology can be directly applied to other domains, in particular, credit card and telecommunication fraud, money laundering, and drug dealing. The dual use of the developed core technology complements our ongoing effort with DARPA for terrorist threat prediction. We are currently in the process of formulating a commercialization plan for enhanced StrategistT in cooperation with Electronic Warfare Associates (EWA). As the military assumes more missions involving operations other than war (including humanitarian operations and support to domestic authorities), more of our military leaders will need to become proficient in coalition and collaborative leadership environments. Success in such operations, including multinational and multi-agency operations, increasingly depends not only on teamwork within the leaders' own hierarchical organization (which most military leaders are very familiar with) but also teamwork among the leaders of the multiple organizations in the operation (which most military leaders are not very familiar with). Although success in such operations will depend on the skills, knowledge, and abilities (SKAs) of our leaders, there is currently insufficient training focusing on the SKAs relevant to these coalition-related military operations other than war (MOOTW). The primary objectives of Phase I will be to 1) identify the highest-priority SKAs related to successful leadership in coalition MOOTW, 2) identify which SKAs are currently being trained adequately, and 3) recommend any additional needed training based on gaps between what is needed and what is being trained. The results of Phase I will be used in Phase II to guide development of a training program focused on improving leaders' coalition-relevant SKAs. Benefits of the training program will include leaders who are more prepared than ever to function effectively in multi-national and multi-agency coalition operations other than war. This in turn will lead to more effective coordination among coalition members, lower numbers of casualties (innocents as well as coalition members), better relations with our allies and coalition partners, and more successful coalition operations. Such successes will increase the political and social acceptance of US military operations other than war, acceptance both domestically and in the international community. Upon completion of Phase II, the training developed would be readily marketable to the military, and may be adapted for use by civilian government agencies and non-governmental organizations in coalition operations with the military. A modified training program would also be highly marketable to civilian corporations wishing to improve their successes in global business operations by preparing their leaders better for those operations. Navy is expanding its shipboard information networks, information technology systems requiring wireless technologies are being developed to support increased shipboard information gathering for logistical, personnel, and maintenance-related functions a self forming networks that can expand and contract on demand, extend into damaged areas with unknown infrastructure, with no/short notice to support roving patrols, and between ad hoc elements of the platform as needed. A self-organizing and self-configuring network protocol, without the need for any existing network infrastructure or administration such as Dynamic Source Routing for Mobile Ad Hoc is emerging that will enable multiple mobile nodes to communicate using peer-to-peer and multi-hop capabilities. This type of capability needs to be exploited to enable shipboard facility e.g. manufacturing plant and platform e.g. shipboard networks to operate with virtually no configuration support or other technical input required. This will enable net centric capability to migrate wherever required and whenever needed. Enable wireless devices to join and access internet via wireless ad-hoc networking without concerning their network addresses and routing protocols hence to improve mobility and greatly simplify roaming between wireless devices anf networks. RLW, Inc. is submitting this Phase II Proposal on SBIR Topic # OSD01-CBM02 ""Smart Machinery Spaces"" in response to a written invitation following the completion of Phase I work. In Phase I, RLW successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using the wireless sensor technology and network and processing software to provide an online, real-time ""snapshot"" of equipment health by building a prototype system. When fully implemented, such a system will wirelessly provide consistent and accurate status of specified monitored parameters in a given ""space"" on a ship. Using temperature, pressure, flood, smoke, and other transducers, RLW will expand its Phase I prototype system to monitor all parameters found in the target application: Shaft Alley Compartment (#5-300-0-E) of DDG-51 Class ships. RLW will test the Phase II system in its own lab and at a realistic land-based platform. In the Phase II Option, RLW will install the test system on a Navy ship. As in Phase I, RLW will again partner with two industry leaders, General Dynamics-Electric Boat, a well-known and long-time manufacturer of submarines for the Navy, and Sentinel Business Systems, a company with vast commercial experience in networking hardware and software, data management, and database integration. The battlespace warfighter environment contains a large amount of constant critical information that needs to be processed and displayed. The level of information varies widely, from pilots, to theater commanders, to situations assessors, and to field army units. The battlespace environment is very sophisticated and has fast developing situations, leading to frequent encounters with novel situations that demand adaptive problem solving skills in its operators. This rapid development of the battlespace poses a constant challenge to its operators who have to acquire knowledge of the equipment systems, understand critical information, and also gain expertise in identifying and responding to problems. Human information processing and performance knowledge has not been completely utilized for solving real world problems. Fortunately, cognitive task analysis uses mental models, emphasizes cognition, analyzes expertise, evaluates knowledge for the whole job, and segments tasks based on skill. Cybernet proposes to develop a system to provide not only the capability of advanced battlespace information processing in complicated and stressful environments, but also the optimization of this information flow, allowing operators to interact in large complex situations in an effective, efficient, and optimal manner. Furthermore, Cybernet will explore the development of intelligent agents to enable better information flow and display. The proposed technology will be leveraged into Cybernet's OpenSkies Massive Multiplayer training and gaming simulation business. Cybernet has developed a massively multi-player simulation technology for air, sea and land game and simulation play. While this technology was originally developed for a low cost government simulation for training, the Company plans to adapt the technology to revolutionize the consumer network gaming and flight simulator industry. The Company plans to distribute its OpenSkies simulation products at retail into the market, which is currently defined by Microsoft Flight Simulator, ProPilot, and Flight Unlimited. To make a significant inroad to this market, Cybernet plans to sell the product not as an end to itself, but as the entry point to a new game playing experience. This project will develop a Macrocognitive Assessment Battery (MAB) to enable the Army to determine the readiness of its small unit leaders to handle the challenges created by Objective Force Warrior (OFW). The reliance on information technology in OFW will increase the cognitive demands on small unit leaders. Therefore, the Army will need tools for assessing the ability of its leaders to function effectively in high-tempo, data overload conditions. Unfortunately, existing cognitive assessment methods are aimed at too detailed a level. By utilizing the framework of Macrocognition, Klein Associates will be able to design a tool to focus directly on processes such as sensemaking, attention management, uncertainty management, recognitional decision making, and situation assessment, that link directly to the demands of OFW. There is a general need to generate high energy density electrical power sources for space, aircraft, ground and naval vehicles, as well as to convert the heat already present in high temperature sources into electrical power. Thermionic power generation is a very attractive solution to both needs. Thermionic emission typically occurs from metal surfaces when the temperature of the metal excites the electrons to energies exceeding the metals' work function, allowing the electrons to be emitted into vacuum. The work function of most metals fall in the range of 4-5 eV, requiring temperatures exceeding 2000K to produce significant thermionic emission. Astralux proposes to build and test a revolutionary new cathode material based on AlGaN. Due to the low work function of the AlGaN, much larger emission currents can be achieved at a given temperature than would be possible with a simple metal emitter. When compared to MTCs fabricated from metal/metal oxide electrodes, our MTC will demonstrate larger power conversion by increasing the average voltage of emitted electrons, increasing the emitted current and reducing the space charge effects. These improvements will lead to a device capable of thermionic emission at temperatures well below 1000 K. The thermionic power generator addresses growing markets where the needs of remote, off-grid power continues to increase together with the overall need for power. Thermionic power may be able to supplement, or replace, photovoltaics in space and terrestrial power applications as well as provide additional power to utilities to meet incremental growth needs. The photovoltaics market is over $1 billion annually. In this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, InnovaTek will develop and demonstrate a novel catalytic microchannel combustion system configured for cross-flow operation. The microchannel combustor will be capable achieving high heat transfer rates and will provide a uniform temperature profile in microreactor channel. These advantages provide the opportunity to achieve efficiency improvements in catalytic microchannel reformer process resulting in reduced size and weight for larger scale layered reformer systems. In Phase I, mathematical and CFD process models for combustor operation and heat transfer performance will be developed. These models will provide the basis for design and fabrication of a single-plate microchannel prototype system for testing microchannel combustion characteristics. Experience gained from this testing will be factored into the model and used to design and fabricate a multi-plate combustor. This prototype will be used in a "proof-of-concept" test to demonstrate system durability in continuous operation for at least 24 hours. In Phase II, the concept will be scaled into a multi-layered, fully integrated fuel processor system capable of supplying pure hydrogen to a 1 kW PEM fuel cell for electrical generation. Designs and plans will be developed for scale-up to 500 kW systems. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells offer an attractive opportunity to provide a portable, quiet and efficient system for electrical generation. Such systems can provide portable power for military field use, and for civilian recreational and transportation applications. In order to achieve this potential, an equally quiet, efficient and portable supply of hydrogen gas is needed. A portable steam reformer capable of producing hydrogen from infrastructure fuels offers an ideal solution as the complementary technical solution. The rapid start time, quiet operation and high efficiency, of fuel cells provide an ideal solution as a mobile power source or an auxiliary power unit (APU) for a wide range of military and commercial applications. However, the supply of hydrogen gas to the fuel cell at the point of use remains a problem. A fuel processor that provides clean hydrogen from sulfur-containing logistical fuels is needed to allow fuel cell technology to be realized. InnovaTek will provide a solution to this need by developing a catalyst and support structure for use in the water gas shift reaction to produce CO-free reformate for a fuel cell from sulfur-containing logistical fuels. The catalyst developed will function at a high space velocity (>30,000 hr-1) that will reduce the size and cost of the fuel processor. It will tolerate sulfur without loss in activity thereby allowing the use of logistical fuels without the need for prior sulfur removal. It will also be resistant to temperature excursions and exposure to air and condensate, thereby maintaining its activity through numerous start-up/shut-down cycles. In addition, the catalyst will be optimized for use in an engineered micro-channel reactor that provides a differential temperature profile for both high temperature and low temperature water gas shift reactions, thus providing a high CO conversion within a single compact reactor design. Evolution in the power generation industry has created a demand and major market opportunity for alternative power generation technologies. As an alternative technology, fuel cells have been in existence for more than 160 years, but have only recently been developed sufficiently to provide a viable alternative to conventional technologies in the automotive and power generation industries. Today, because of their clean, quiet and efficient production of power, fuel cells are widely believed to offer a number of advantages over other small to medium sized power generation methods. Analysts forecast that various sectors of the overall fuel cell market will emerge within the next five to ten years, including: portable and backup power products, residential and specialty products (including APU), micro power (compact/handheld) products, and transportation (motive) products. By providing clean hydrogen from sulfur-containing logistical fuels, InnovaTek's fuel processing technology will allow fuel cell technology to be realized earlier and in broader markets. Design advisors are the most viable method to guide novices and non-ID professionals through the process of creating effective instructional materials, and are especially useful in situations where experts are unavailable. Adaptive Materials Inc. will explore the feasibility of small scale power generation using microtubule solid oxide fuel cells as outlined in Topic Area 3; Materials and Processes for Electrochemical Energy Conversion. We believe microtubule solid oxide fuel cells are the key to a soldier portable, rapid starting, field-rugged, compact, and light weight power source. Individual cells demonstrating many of these unique performance properties have already been developed by Adaptive Materials as part of the DARPA Palm Power Program. We envision combining these cells together with suitable balance of plant components and liquid hydrocarbon fuel to create a system capable of delivering at least 1,000 Whr from a package smaller and lighter than the current BA5590 military battery. We propose to design and develop an effective medical risk communication tool, called CONSULT. The design will be based on an evaluation of the empirical research and studies that address risk perception factors and methods for improving risk communication. These include addressing issues in understanding probabilities, as well as emotional, social, media, and trust factors. A CONSULT authoring tool will be developed so that medical professionals and researchers can create consultations for new medical issues, as well as update information for existing issues. A key capability of the tool is the ability to build the risk probability models that are graphically displayed and interactive. These are the models that relate the client's personal data and profile (medical history, lifestyle choices) to the various risk outcomes (e.g., probability of side effects, or of recurrence of disease). The authoring tool will be designed so that there will be no requirement for programming languages or scripting. Clients can interact with CONSULT to play out `what-if' scenarios and view alternative consequences of choices. The types of information, multimedia, and presentation style will be customized to the individual based on their personal data and concerns profile. CONSULT is expected to provide benefits for clients, medical professionals, and researchers. Increased compliance with medical policies results in fewer health problems, reduces health care costs, and increases the readiness of personnel and troops for duty. CONSULT assists medical professionals to communicate medical risks to organizations and individual clients, exchange and update risk probability models among scientific community, and provide better patient care and health outcomes. In addition, CONSULT can be used as a research tool for evaluating alternative methods for effective risk communication. PVPAEO proposes to develop and demonstrate a head-worn sensor package providing simultaneous images from LWIR and NIR/SWIR sensors utilizing a single aperture. The system utilizes commercial sensor technology combined with optics, packaging and sensor fusion technology developed by PVPAEO in support of a range of targeting and situational awareness applications. The design is fully compliant with the stated environmental and mission requirements including the desired weight limit of 1.25 pounds. The system will be configured to support fusion of the LWIR and NWIR sensors. This capability will be demonstrated during phase I of the program using image processing hardware currently being developed under a phase 11 SBIR program funded by ONR. It is expected that a field tested version of the processor would be available to support field evaluation and testing during the phase 11 program effort. During the first portion of the project the PVPAEO team will work with the system users to clearlydefinethemissionrequirementsanddevelopasystemspecification. This task wili be followed by a design effort to adapt the proven system elements and technologies to meet mission requirements. Following a design review with the system users, a prototype will be fabricated, demonstrated and evaluated. PVPAEO proposes to build on the successful development of a head worn sensor package providing and displaying simultaneous images from LWIR and NIR sensors using a single aperture. The enhanced system will incorporate a higher resolution LWIR sensor and an image intensified camera. Pixel level sensor fusion demonstrated in a laboratory environment as part of the phase I effort will be incorporated as part of the integrated system. ISC will develop a prototype miniaturized uncooled thermal imaging sighting system that can be placed on a handheld weapon without interfering with the existing day sight. This system will include a totally passive day/night imaging camera that will display imagery on a miniaturized display that operates in conjunction with the existing day sight. The system will be comprised ;of two modules a small thermal imaging camera module that includes a video I/O capability and internal power source, and a small display module that provides a collimated image that can be fed directly into the existing day sight. The technical innovations that will be addressed include the miniaturizing and mechanical hardening of the uncooled thermal imaging technology from its existing configuration (the size of a camcorder) to a few cubic inch package that can be unobtrusively yhard mounted to the weapon, and the development of a miniature display and collimating optics set that would act as a removable lens cover for the existing M-4/M-16 day sight. The camera also includes a video input/output port that can be used to output the thermal camera video to any standard RS-170 video device (I.e., data link, HMD) or to allow the display of other RS-170 video source onto the display module. Mid'e is proposing to develop an Advanced Technology Exposure Suit. Mid'e proposed to use smart gels (NIPA-NBTA) as a mechanism to control the thermal properties of the suit. The gel is used as a passive flow control device in which a swelling or shrinking gel layer constrict or allow pumping flow. Small-scale Phase I experiments concluded that skin temperature can be maintained 30 to 40% higher in freezing water by the new suit than by conventional suits. Phase II will conclude with instrument manikin testing of complete suits under operational conditions. In Phase II Mid'e will optimize the performance of the gel with respect to operation in seawater and response time. Mid'e will also work with established manufacturers such as 3M and Enterprise Coatings to develop a fabric in which the gel can be easily incorporated. Availablility of this smart fabric will enable all exposure suits manufacturers access to this technology providing SOCOM with a low-risk acquisition channel. Military operations often require personnel to work in environmental conditions which subject them to weather extremes. Often operations take personnel from water to land environments and vice versa, over extended periods of time. A concept for an Advanced Technology Exposure Suite (ATES) is proposed, which uses smart materials to control the degree of protection offered to the wearer, depending on environmental characteristics. High acquisition cost, high metallic content, high weight, and high cost of installation characterize the present state-of-the-art in waterjet drives above 150HP. This work addresses all of these problems through the use of high-strength composite materials and integration of the jet drive intake duct into the hull of the vessel at the time of hull fabrication. Novel mechanical configuration of drive components removes the high stresses normal in conventional drive intake ducts, allowing a composite intake to be integrated into a composite hull at low cost. Collateral advantages of this novel approach are a reduction in the number of components and in total drive unit weight. Additionally, it allows the placement of the engine closer to the transom with no compromise to the intake performance. Work includes hydrodynamic optimization of the intake shape to assure performance superior to comparable metallic jet drives. A prototype unit based on the novel design is constructed, installed and tested, and measured data are used to predict the performance of an 11 meter RIB with two such drives installed. Some drive components, in addition to the intake, are also made of composite materials, leading in the future to a truly all-composite waterjet propulsion system. North American Marine Jet (NAMJ), the only USA (American) company currently designing and manufacturing waterjets, will develop a composite inlet for the NSJ rigid hull inflatable boat (RIB) Project. The inlet will be designed by NAMJ's Research and Development department and its Engineering Design department. The prototype will be built at NAMJ's manufacturing facility in Benton, AR. The composite inlet will be designed to maintain or improve the NSW RIB's speed and maneuverability, while improving weight, corrosion resistance, and ease of manufacturing. NAMJ has the proven ability to offer an inlet design with additional optional improvements and modifications to meet the craft's needs. A hydraulic up-and-down nozzle, which eliminated unfavorable center of gravity problems for the N500 jet in light to loaded conditions, efficiently over-corrects the jet to bring higher craft speeds. In this project, IEM will produce a complete detailed design and working prototypes of a rugged camera capable of operating under water or at high altitudes. The camera design will be capable of capturing high resolution still images or motion imagery at up to 30 frames/second, images will be compressed and stored on solid state media for transfer to another computer via PCMCIA cards of Firewire interface. The proposed camera is intended for outdoor harsh environment usage and hence, many "ruggedization" features are added to the design. Furthermore, the design is based on a modular architecture in order to allow easy future upgrades. While there are many other imaging solutions and still cameras on the market, IEM's design offers unique competitive advantages for the high-end military and professional usres, who demand superior performance solutions in a small size package. IEM's innovative design's have competitive advantages which are based on a better complete imaging system design (as opposed to just a single element, e.g., imager). It also has a number of techniques which take advantage of the power behind redundant information in a stream of images. In addition, the proposed camera will provide for enhanced autofocus and image stabilization. These techniques lead to significantly superior still and motion images without sacrificing the small size objective. We believe these product advantages will produce the best price/performance camera for the high end military and professional markets. The final price of the camera depends on the desired performance (resolution, fps, etc.). IEM has also identified many other immediate commercial applications of this product. A wide range of applications for explosive time delays exist from gerneral commercial blasting to very precision shock wave forming and/or movement of materials. Presently these delays are obtained by electronics or by the use of pyrotechnics and primary explosives. The problem with electronics is the high component cost and difficulty in surviving the high shock environment of the initial or prior detonation. The problem with the pyrotechnics/primary explosive delay is its safety from accidental ignition due to temperature, stray electrical energy, or general incorrect handling. Phase I of this SBIR demonstrated a millisecond delay concept which is not electronic (except to start the delay), does not contain a primary or pyrotechnic explosive can meet the 500 volt safety limit for no-fire (per MIL-STD'S 1316 and 1911) and will survive high energy shock. This proposed phase II program will develop a functional Multi-Millisecond delay component without electronics or primary explosives. The program will establish critical delay time paramenters such that designs for specific applications can be formulated. Verification and qualification lot testing will be performed. A variety of extreme environment hand-wear systems are currently available for military personnel ranging from three and six modular glove systems to a Cold/Wet Glove system. While these are designed to protect soldiers' hands from cold/wet climates, the basic system designs make them too bulky and cumbersome to provide the tactility and dexterity required in many military applications, including rappelling, fast-roping, and operating a weapon. Nor are existing systems designed to provide hand protection to -40 F. as required in this soliciation. Kreamer Sports manufacturers heated outdoor sportswear, including heated fingered and hooded fingered gloves, that utilize the latest state-of-the-art in conductive fabrics powered by several battery applications. The objective of the proposed work is to evaluate the newest advancements in thermal insulators, conductive heating materials, and heat transferring materials. Working on the body of research already performed by Kreamer Sports, we intend to produce data on new and innovative methods of heat generation and distribution. Our emphasis will be on advancing the viability of carbon/conductive materials to provide the desired extreme temperature performance while greatly improving the dexterity and tactility of current military hand-wear systems, at the same time investigating and analyzing the potential for other commercial and military applications. The number one goal of the research undertaken under this proposal would be to provide an extreme environment hand-warming glove that allows greater dexterity and tactility in a broad range of military applications while providing better comfort and temperature control for uses in temperatures as low as -40 F. Additionally, the heat transfer methodology will be examined to utilize as many existing military power sources (i.e., battery packs, tank and helicopter power sources) to reduce to the extent possible redundant systems. Kreamer Sports believes this advanced technology can then be used for a variety of other body warming systems, including military and civilian parkas, body suits, footwear, as well as medical applications such as heated trauma and blood/plasma bags. The diver location, diver navigation system , DIVENAV, accurately locates up to ten scuba divers with respect to a dive boat. A "beacon" is suspended below the dive boat, it is managed by a "controller" on deck. A "transponder" is attached to the diver. A display on the controller indicates the magnetic bearing, distance, and depth for each diver. In addition, the transponder has a digital readout that indicates magnetic bearing and distance to the dive boat. The controller can alert one, or all divers to two conditions which will activate annunciators on the transponder. The conditions may be; a. ascend or, b. return to the dive boat. The diver can activate a switch on the transponder which will alert the divemaster to an emergency. The system architecture provides for an option which will permit the divemaster to direct the diver to a location other than the dive boat. Innovative technologies that offer high performance at very low cost are required for meeting the needs of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Existing sensors (radar, seismis, acoustic, IR) offer limited performance, particularly in missions requiring broad area surveillance. Surveillance through walls and doors may also be desired to assist special operations forces in monitoring activity when visual means are not available. The use of ultra wideband (UWB) radar offers excellent penetration capability without the loss of resolution. Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) has developed a very low cost radar technology that can be easily modified to perform surveillance functions. The sensor will operate as a time-gated presence sensor and only objects within a selected range will be detected. These detections will be based upon returned energy levels and not doppler motion. This feature when combined with a low cost CMOS camera output, will substantially reduce nuisance and false alarms. Since UWB waveforms are difficult to detect, the sensors can be used in situations where covertness is required. Under Phase I, MSSI proposes to develop a prototype UWB surveillance sensor for field test and evaluation. Under Phase II, several prototypes will be constructed for use by USSOCOM. IS Robotics (ISR) will develop rovers to serve as tools for Special Forces Operators in reconnaissance applications. These outdoor terrain rovers will be small, highly mobile, and support autonomous behaviors. The rovers will act as mobile sensor platforms that will be used to obtain critical data in denied areas. Leveraging on technology already developed at IS Robotics in small, mobile vehicles and embedded intelligence will substantially reduce the cost and time of development. In Phase I, we will modify an existing microrover, developed under DARPA contract, for Special Forces Applications by increasing the man portability, mobility, and telemetry range. The modified FLIP vehicle will be a complete system that can be used in teleoperated scenarios and will provide a testbed for work on autonomous behaviors and intuitive user interfaces. Onboard processing, sensors, and a behavior based control system will allow more autonomous features to be added in the future. The modified vehicle will be made available to and supported for Special Forces field tests in which performance will be evaluated. Input regarding design improvements and additional features from end users will be incorporated into the Phase II development plan. The Quick Attack Reconnaissance Remote Vehicle Platform is a remotely operated vehicle capable of performing combat and physical security missions. The modular platform features quick-change attachments that will accommodate a variety of weapon, video, audio, and bio/chemical sampling systems. The vehicle is able to operate in adverse climates and in rough terrain. The ground speed of the vehicle in good conditions is in excess of 10 miles per hour. The vehicle can be stored in a remote docking station where it can charge its batteries and remain in a passive, standby mode. The unit can be activated and dispatched into service remotely. The vehicle is capable of returning to its station to recharge or replace its power source without needing a human asset being present. This is ideal for protecting remote areas of a facility or to maintain a continuous unmanned battle capability at an installation under chemical attack. The platform will be controlled from a remote location. The control module is easily man-portable and the platform can be deployed by a light vehicle (Suburban, Hummer, etc.). This platform will be quick and agile. It is an efficient means for attacking/defending against enemy vehicles and personnel. the Tactical Insertion Mission Planning and Rehearsal Simulator (TIMPARS) is a system for creating mission-specific parachute simulator scenario models from real-world terrain, image and meteorological data. TIMPARS will allow average military users to quickly and conveniently prepare parachute simulator visual scenes and wind fields representing realistic situations for mission planning and rehearsal fidelity. The key criteria are: a) 48hour data turnaround; b) worldwide coverage; c) geodetic and meteorological accuracy; d) real time simulation utility. TIMPARS will enable running and critiquing real-time, interactive tactical parachute insertion mission simulations with a group of networked jump stations. The system will include a wind module for generating terrain-correlated wind fields, and will connect to an external network for access to live weather forecast data, allowing mission planners to update simulation scenarios with the most current meteorological data for target jump sites. A major factor in the tactical usefulness of electronic support measures (ESM) is the ability to identify the origin of intercepted signals of interest (SOI); the more specific the identification the better. Specific emitter identification (SEID) is the capability to match signals of interest to an individual asset within the electronic order of battlel, not merely to an emitter type, and is most useful in the cases of emitters mounted on mobile platforms such as ships or land vehicles. Traditionally, this capability has relied on precise measurement of the pulse repetition interval (PRI) through fine grained analysis with dedicated narrow band receivers. Phase I of this SBIR investigated application of SEID techniques to modern, automatic wideband receivers. It was determined that while PRI-based SEID is still useful with respect to legacy systems, new SEID techniques involving unintentional modulation-on-pulse (UMOP) are necessary against modern emitters. The Phase I also demonstrated a working interface between a wideband receiver and a UMOP SEID system. The Phase II effort described in this proposal would embed both methodologies into the existing Bobcat wideband ESM receiver-processor and support operational test and evaluation to yield a service approved sysstem. Current security systems rely on human operators for sensor fusion. In contrast, Physical Optics Corporation proposes to develop and demonstrate a Highly Intelligent Remotely Programmable Alarm System (HIRPAS), setting a new standard of vehicle security in the year 2000, based on autonomous sensor fusion. HIRPAS will be a hardware/software highly intelligent portable multisensor security system allowing real-time remote live-video oversight. HIRPAS will improve security technology and surveillance mission efficiency. HIRPAS applies a unique combination of motion sensing with multisensor data fusion, neurofuzzy networks, and enhanced real-time MPEG-compatible compression for remote video transfer from the surveillance site. Based on fuzzy metrology, HIRPAS will preprocess multisensor data, including video imagery, and will identify exceptional and significant events and preferentially downlink selected frame sequences in real-time through the processor in the vehicle and communicate with the person responsible for vehicle security. This is made possible by intelligent integration among multiple heterogeneous sensors, pattern recognition in a neurofuzzy network, and unprecedented 4000:1 compression that only slightly reduces video quality, thus also dramatically increasing archiving capacity. A developmental effort for an integrated video conferencing communications architecture is proposed that is designed to provide reliable multimedia communications from the SOF tactical user to garrison. It will be designed to provide an integrated video conferencing capability to SOF for existing communications applications as well as the addition of telemedicine and distance learning. The Phase I study will investigate the technologies, standards, equipment and systems needed to develop a detailed video conferencing architecture and system design. Special emphasis is on the need to transition SOF Communications networks to standards based on LANs and WANs using ATM, Iso-Ethernet and/or 100BaseT. The Phase I effort includes selected demonstrations of video conferencing from the tactical user to component desktop to establish confidence in the approach and establish a foundation for a detailed implementation plan in Phase II. The study includes an investigation of programs, equipment and software applications within Government and the commercial market applicable to SOF requirements for distance learning and telemedicine. In Phase II a detailed system design and implementation plan is proposed along with demonstrations which verify the proposed architecture. High performance fiberoptic switches are in great demand for use in the information super-highway and modern defense systems. Current fiberoptic switches do not simultaneously meet the requirements of high speed, low loss, high extinction ratio, and high reliability. Based on a successful phase I program, Agiltron Corporation proposes to further develop a novel solid-state 4x4 cross-connect switch, using newly available crystal materials of exceptionally large electrically induced response. The proposed fiberoptic switch has leading edge performance attributes which include solid-state high speed operation, polarization insensitivity and low insertion loss, as well as crystal ruggedness for high optical power handling and long term stability. The design eliminates the need for mechanical movement, organic materials, and waveguides which introduce intrinsic drawbacks. Moreover, the design is simple, compact, and very cost effective. It is anticipated that state-of-the-art performance in several key specifications can be achieved through this program. These include high data rate, low optical insertion loss, wide temperature range, high optical power handling, high stability, and cost effectiveness. The success in this program will lead to many applications for both military and commercial systems. Compensation of thermal blooming and high scintillation affects requires simultaneous large amplitude and large bandwidth operation or high gain bandwidth. Present deformable mirror technology, provides 3 to 4 microns stroke with a full amplitude bandwidth approaching 500-Hz. It has been a design criteria that as the bandwidth increased, the amplitude decreased specific to a power spectral density profile set forth for the application. Recent test results have shown that present mirrors are limited by the ability of the actuators to withstand the high peak current loads required for the high gain bandwidth operational mode. It is the intent of the proposed program to develop a new Single Crystal Photonex Mirror capable of 8 to 10-microns stroke with a full amplitude bandwidth approaching 8 KHz. It is the intent of the proposed program to develop a mirror that is compatible with current linear amplifier technology while producing high gain bandwidth. It is a further objective to develop a deformable mirror system with a compact, lightweight physical size to enable the layout of optical systems, which fit current tactical packages. The final objective is to develop a modular manufacturing process, which not only maintains the current industrial base but also enables scaling and production for future systems. HyPerComp, a small business specializing in the development, implementation and dissemination of high performance parallel software in time-domain CEM for scattering and radiation problems of interest to the DoD community, proposes to advance the technology in a three-prong approach: 1) Provide significant advances in preprocessing, processing and postprocessing stages of HyPer Comp?s time-domain CEM technology (UPRCS code) for routine X-band parallel applications, 2) in partnership with SAIC-DEMACO, hybridize the time domain with their Xpatch high-frequency technology for minimizing computational efforts in ATR applications, and 3) in partnership with Dr. Kelce Wilson and others at AFRL, integrate their in-house clutter model into the time-domain UPRCS code. With advances in parallel hardware and software, extending the range of applications of a full wave, broad band, time-domain UPRCS code. With advances in parallel hardware and software, extending the range of applications of a full wave, broad band, time-domain CEM technology through hybridization with Xpatch for large-scale target modeling and with a clutter background model for terrain characterization will provide the critical technology base for this decade in meeting Air Force?s requirements in target classification and identification. In addition to serving the DoD interests in RCS and ATR applications, the time-domain CEM has numerous commercial applications. Some of them are 1) patient specific bioEM studies of hypothermia treatment of cancer using microwave radiation, 2) study of cellular phone EM effects on human, and 3) EMC/EMI studies of high power electronic circuits. Also, the general geometry computational framework of CEM has synergy and commonality with other disciplines such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), acoustics and structures. The feasibility of an integrated design software tool set that incorporates a simulation based design environment, a modern trajectory/design optimizer and a framework to create a high fideity 6 degree of freedom simulation with a common database tailored to easily evaluate space vehicle concepts will be investigated. Modern software and system design methodology techniques (object oriented programming, graphical languages, autocode generation and rapid prototyping) will be used to create a set of tools that will enhance the ability of an aerospace user to efficiently evaluate emerging RLV designs, assess performance, determine sensitivities to key design parameters nd validage the design through both non-real and real time simulation for the user's unique application. Graphical user interfaces will facilitate the user's interaction with the tool. Use of COTS tools, shareware, modularity and CORBA compliant interfaces will be incorporated to allow this integrated tool set to easily operate in the designer's environments. A common development environment that can ve used for multiple types of aerospace vehicles will provide the ability to rapidly evaluate RLV space vehicle design concepts, assess design feasibility and performance sensitivities, track evolving designs plus generate and validate the simulation software. This will be a low cost design toolset that combines ""optimal"" trajectory generation with key vehicle design parameter, and generates software capable of validating real time software and simulations at significant savings (50%)in development schedule and life cycle costs. The proliferation of electronic systems in military and commercial aircraft has necessitated an ever increasing vigilance for unintended electromagnetic interference (EMI) between collocated systems. As electronic system designs incorporate more sensitive components, higher densities of components, and increasingly higher frequencies of operation, EMI problems are growing proportionately. Because these changes in electronic systems designs are occurring in ever shorter development cycles, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) between the various systems is becoming more challenging. There's a growing need for tools which enable rapid diagnosis and localization of EMI sources in order to reduce the demand on EMC engineering resources. In addition the challenge of preventing EMI between collocated electronic systems, there's a growing challenge to detect and prevent EMI threats produced by foreign EMI sources from impacting system performance. Foreign EMI sources can be the increasing number and types of personal electronic devices brought onboard aircraft as well as hostile EM weapons, such as HPM devices, RF weapons, or weapons of mass destruction, designed to interrupt or neutralize operation of aircraft or critical elements of our national infrastructure There's a growing need for tools which enable rapid, accurate localization of foreign EMI sources or identification of EM hardening feature degradation to prevent operational failures of critical systems. This research will define and demonstrate the appropriate technologies for AFDTC to establish a real time visual simulation capability. Careful review of existing government and commercial resources will serve as a basis for establishing a research and development path. This research will result in a capability that maximizes the use of visual simulation for test center support. This will be comprised of two main components.The first component is a method to rapidly transform stereo imagery into a digital terrain and cultural feature data base. The derived data base will be suitable for operations such as precision targeting, test even synchronization, virtual bomb drop debris fields and density level spheres. The data base generation process will be rapid, world wide, highly accurate and maximize operational utility. The second component establishes an optimal method for real time display. This display capability will be oriented towards test support functions including situational awareness, test control, engineering analysis and range safety. The display capability will be a reconfigurable, real time, open architcture that seamlessly accommodates visual,infrared and radar sensor scenes displayed on NT and Unix systems. The intent of this research is to develop an advanced nozzle for mixing and reacting iodine (I (sub 2) or I) and singlet-delta oxygen [O (sub 2) ((sup 1) increment)] flows in COIL devices. The ultimate goal is to develop a more efficient COIL. Specific avenues for the proposed research are: (1) Current COIL nozzles typically inject a mixture of diluent gas and molecular iodine into the subsonic region of the O (sub 2) ((sup 1) increment) flow upstream of the nozzle throat. The resulting mixing leads non-uniform loading on the laser mirrors and to a non-uniform gain distribution ('sugar-scooping'). 'Tuning' the mixing and chemical reactions with an improved nozzle design may solve this problem and may also yield higher laser efficiency. (2) In the COIL mixing process, a significant amount of the energy stored in the singlet-delta oxygen is required to dissociate the molecular iodine to atoms. Analysis indicates that 4-6 O (sub 2) ((sup1) increment) molecules are required per I (sub 2) molecule. Injection of atomic iodine may result in an overall more efficient COIL system. (3) Heat release in the flow, both in the laser and due to deactivation of excited species, has a deleterious effect on laser performance, as well as on pressure recovery. An improved supersonic nozzle will mitigate this effect. The primary objective of this SBIR will be to design a processing system that will meet the high bandwidth, computationally intensive, requirements of real-time tracking through turbulence and wavefront tilt and scintillation measurement and compensation. The processing system design will consist of central processing unit(s), digital signal processor(s), high speed memory modules, input/output modules, operating system, data and control bus, application software, development environment, and a performance analysis/verification system. We will utilize our extensive experience designing acquisition, tracking, and pointing algorithms and systems for laser weapon systems, combined with our work on the ABL Beam Control/Fire Control (BC/FC) Preliminary Design Review and BC/FC Processor Throughput Demonstration along with Dr. Merritt's Advanced Tracking SBIR and Dr. Dillow's Kalman Filter Tracker Broad Agency Announcement. We will apply our knowledge of high-speed image processing systems with an awareness of ABL testing plans at North Oscura Peak and technology development plans from the ABL technology office. The product of this effort will be a high bandwidth (5 Khz) tracking system based on COTS hardware. The system will be capable of performing multiple track algoriths including several new Kalman filter techniques designed to perform well in the presence of scintillated atmospheric conditions. The system will incorporate multiple state of the art RISC processors perofrming parallel processing. Phase I of this project demonstrated the feasibility of implementing such a system. In Phase II, the High bandwidth Advanced Tracker (HiBAT) will be designed, built, and tested both in the laboratory and in the field. Innovative model-based nonlinear filtering methods for optical tracking were developed in Phase I of this project. Weapon systems such as the AirBorne Laser (ABL) missile defense systems require highly accurate target track information. Tracking data is acquired from optical sensors, whose performance is severely degraded by the effects of turbulence in the atmosphere. Using statistical models of the atmospheric turbulence and physics-based models of optical propagation, we constructed nonlinear filters to track targets. Our Phase I work demonstrated the feasibility of model-based optical tracking. In Phase II, we will build prototype tracking software based on our nonlinear filter technology. The first step in this process is to implement on-line parameter estimation for the filter. The resulting adaptive filter will provide robustness in a variety of operational scenarios. Next, we will incorporate the filter into an advanced wave-optics simulation tool, for initial assessment of closed-loop track performance. We will then build software capable of running our tracking algorithms at the MIT/LL Advanced Concepts Laboratory. Repeatable optical tracking experiments can be performed to evaluate closed-loop performance. The result of this project will be a suite of prototype software, validated in simulation and laboratory experiment, ready for transition to high bandwidth tracking hardware and ABL application. The proposed program develops a novel, single-ended, range-resolved refractive turbulence profiler. This system is based on solid-state coherent laser radar technology and therefore has the potential for characterizing wind turbulence as well. The subject innovation provides real-time turbulence profiles that can benefit missile defense platforms, such as the Airborne Laser (ABL), by generating on-line risk assessments as a function of the engagement geometry. Refractive turbulence characterization, specifically as it relates to breaking wave structures near the tropopause, can also be performed. For the ABL, range-resolved Cn2 profiling to ranges of the order of 200 km is expected, with profile update rates of ~ 1 Hz. The proposed sensor will also be able to generate a single ABL risk parameter (such as rho zero) a much higher update rate (~10 Hz). In the Phase I program, CTI will extended (SIC) previous analyses, that has already been completed, to capture higher order effects that were ignored in the previous first order analysis. Laboratory demonstration experiments will be conducted to validate theory and calibration techniques. In Phase II CTI plans to build and demonstrate a coherent-array sensor using state-of-the-art solid-state laser technology.