0000405 January 15, 2000 Planning Grant to Establish an Alternate Site for MAST at the Colorado School of Mines. EEC-0000405 Baldwin This planning grant funds the Colorado School of Mines for industry/university interactions to determine the feasibility and viability of becoming a research site of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) for Membrane Applied Science and Technology. The Co-Directors of the site would be Dr. Robert Baldwin and Dr. Douglas Way. The Colorado School of Mines expertise will broaden the Center's research base by addressing research in Sample Membrane Interactions Using Field Flow Fractionation, Separation of Gene-Therapy Products with Field Flow Fractionation, Cyclodextrin Modified Adsorbents and Membranes for Chiral Separations, Cell-Bacteria Sorting Using Laser Tweezers, Switchable Selective Channels in Porous Materials for Separations, Separation and Fractionation of Viral Precursers by Field Flow Fractionation, Membrane Reactor for Methanol/Ethanol Reforming, The Influence of Free Volume on the Permeation and Sorption in Super-Glassy Polymers, Faujasite Membranes for CO2/N2 Separations and Fundamentals of Nanofiltration at High Composition. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Baldwin, Robert J. Douglas Way Colorado School of Mines CO Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 AMPP 9165 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0001282 January 15, 2000 Planning Grant for Participation in the Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSERC). EEC-0001282 Kezunovic This planning grant funds Texas A&M to become a research site of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power Systems Engineering. The research projects being considered for addition to the Center's established research agenda are, 1. Power System State/Parameter Estimation and Measurement Design for Distributed Multi Utility Operation, 2. Power System Reliability Analysis Including Dynamics and Control Effects, 3. An Approach to Select Cost-Effective ASD Ride-Through Technologies, 4. Accurate Fault Location in Transmission and Distribution Networks Using Modeling, Simulation and Limited Field Recorded Data, 5. Power System Monitoring Using Wireless Substation and System-Wide Communications. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Kezunovic, Mladen Texas Engineering Experiment Station TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 HPCC 9139 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0001879 August 15, 2000 NSF Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules - Operational Grant. EEC-0001879 Gross The goal of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing of Macromolecules at the Polytechnic University of New York is to conduct research on a wide range of issues applicable to the use of biocatalytic methods in polymer synthesis and materials processing. The research program includes three themes: (1) In-vitro enzyme-catalyzed polymer synthesis and modification; (2) Biocatalytic degradation of polymers; and (3) Biosynthesis of novel polysaccharide copolymers. The Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) consisting of representatives from nine participating companies review the progress of research, and provides guidance to the Center's management and technology transfer activities. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gross, Richard David Kaplan Polytechnic University of New York NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 350000 5761 OTHR 0000 0001880 August 1, 2000 Incorporating the Center for Advanced Control of Energy and Systems at Arizona State University into the Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSerc). EEC-0001880 Arizona State University Heydt It is proposed to bring the Arizona State University portion of the Center for the Advanced Control of Energy and Power Systems (ACEPS) into the Power Systems Engineering Research Center (Pserc). Both these efforts focus on research in electric power engineering. The ASU portion of ACEPS will bring expertise to Pserc in the areas of electric power quality, high voltage engineering, and power electronics. These areas are believed to beneficially supplement the existing Pserc power engineering efforts. Additionally, ASU-ACEPS will bring expertise in power system instrumentation and control, and power system analysis. The combined center is expected to be one of the largest power engineering efforts in the world, focusing on questions of power systems, deregulation of the power industry, power quality, transmission and distribution , and the efficient use of power infrastructure. An educational component of the program is proposed in the form of graduate and undergraduate student training and research and bringing advanced concepts in power engineering into the undergraduate classroom INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Heydt, Gerald Arizona State University AZ Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 1890508 V915 V638 V105 T846 T313 T752 T479 H232 H108 5761 SMET OTHR EGCH 9251 9178 9177 9102 7218 1325 127E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0002018 April 1, 2000 Planning Grant for CPPR/NSF Center. The University of Puerto Rico plans to host a planning meeting to explore the potential to become a research site of the Purdue University/University of Connecticut I/UCRC for Pharmaceutical Processing. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ghaly, Evone Dane Kildsig Ilia Oquendo University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus PR Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 MANU 9146 0002610 May 1, 2000 Satellite Center/Research Site to Center for Dielectric Studies The Pennsylvania State University with Focus on High Energy Density Dielectrics. EEC-0002610 University of Missouri Rolla Anderson The purpose of this initiative is to understand the high field properties of high dielectric constant materials and determine how these properties relate to pulse power applications. Examples of some of the fundamental information which needs to be known are: 1) field distributions within dielectrics - i.e. field modeling 2) basic defect structure of high voltage dielectrics to mitigater ionic conductivity and associated electrical degradation, 3) high field dielectric behavior: losses and dielectric constant, 4) the influence of macroscopic processing on properties 5) resonant behavior under pulsed conditions, 6) charging and discharging behavior under high field conditions 7) the influence of rapid surface discharge on high dielectric constant materials. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Anderson, Harlan Wayne Huebner Missouri University of Science and Technology MO Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0002669 August 1, 2000 Relating Field Data to Accelerated Life Testing. EEC-0002669 Smith This project brings together two NSF I/UCRC's to improve accelerated life testing (ALT) of vehicle electronics. The Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics (CAVE) of Auburn University with partner with the Quality and Reliability Engineering (QRE) Center of Rutgers University and Arizona State University to investigate the relationship between wear, degradation and failure of vehicle controllers as experienced in the field with that expected by the results of ALT conducted in the laboratory. DaimlerChrysler Electronics of Huntsville, Alabama supplies the test bed. Vehicle electronics are subject to stress due to temperature, humidity, cycling and other environmental hazards. The materials that comprise the controllers are susceptible to the effects of corrosion and oxidation. The solder that connects the controller components can crack due to fatigue and creep under high temperature and thermal cycling stresses. These failures affect the performance of the vehicle from slightly to severely. The research of this project will develop a general methodology for specifying accelerated life tests so that they result in an accurate characterization of the degradation and failures that will be experienced in the filed. The failure mechanisms for the assembly materials in field units will be investigated in the development of the accelerated life tests. ALT standards, which new units must pass prior to marketing, will be adequate without being overly conservative, potentially allowing new designs and new materials to be used in vehicle electronics. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS MANFG ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Smith, Alice R. Wayne Johnson Auburn University AL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 101800 9150 5761 1786 1360 SMET OTHR MANU 9251 9231 9178 9150 9147 7218 1359 0000 0002775 September 1, 2000 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Coatings. Establishment of a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) in Coatings at the University of Southern Mississippi and Eastern Michigan University is proposed. The Center's mission will be two-fold: (i) to be a world leading academic organization that develops relevant, pre-competitive scientific knowledge for understanding and advancing the technologies of polymeric coatings and (ii) to enlarge the cadre of scientists and technologists capable of being productive in the field of coatings. With this program the Center will directly address barriers that impede progress in coatings: (1) a shortage of precise polymer synthetic methods, (2) a need to better understand film formation and molecular level processes that control resistance to mechanical and chemical damage, (3) a need to extend and develop systematic understanding of degradation processes in coatings, and (4) a shortage of scientists and technologists who understand coatings science and technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Urban, Marek University of Southern Mississippi MS Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 361500 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9231 9178 9177 9102 7218 0000 0002916 August 1, 2000 University of Puerto Rico Research Site with Purdue University I/U CRC for Pharmaceutical Processing Research. EEC-0002916 Ghaly The proposed research agenda stresses understanding, at the molecular level, the effects of processing on critical quality attributes of pharmaceutical products and on minimizing validation requirements through improved process monitoring. Representative research projects will include improved process monitoring technology, blending of pharmaceutical powders, application of Near-IR to pharmaceutical testing, solid state properties, formulations development, extruder/marumerizar technology, compaction process, innovative analytical methods for validation, dissolution and bio-availability, tablets coating and disperse systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ghaly, Evone Mikhail Antoun LLia Oquendo University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus PR Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 250000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0002917 September 1, 2000 I/UCRC: Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSerc). EEC-0002917 Kezunovic This proposal expresses the intent of Texas A&M University (TAMU) to join the Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSerc). To emphasize this intent, the following issues are discussed: benefits of TAMU's participation in PSerc, benefits of participation of TAMU's industry partners, proposed research areas, proposed research projects, TAMU's support of the proposal, and site director credentials. The main objective of TAMU's participation in PSerc is to enhance research capabilities of both PSerc and TAMU. This will in turn provide the research infrastructure that will serve better PSerc industry partners as well as the public at large as the benefactors of the developments in the industrial base. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CONTROL, NETWORKS, & COMP INTE IIP ENG Kezunovic, Mladen Texas Engineering Experiment Station TX Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 602486 V915 V105 T846 T313 T479 H232 H108 5761 1518 OTHR 127E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0002918 May 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Power System Engineering Research Center (PSerc). EEC-0002918 Shoureshi The goal of the Pserc Center at the Colorado School of Mines will be to integrate advances from power systems, control theory, artificial intelligence, diagnostics, new sensor-technologies, etc. to assist the electric utility industry in facing these new challenges. The research, which is complementary to those of the other Pserc sites, will focus on the following topics: Development of Intelligent Substation; Advanced Power Generation Control with Integrated Economics, Variable Demands and Short-Term Load Forecast; Development of Advanced Sensors and Sensory Feedback Systems for Increased Reliability and Lower Maintenance Cost; Predictive Maintenance for Reduction of Operating Cost; Development of Remote Health Assessment Techniques T&D; and EMAT Based Diagnostics of Overhead Transmission Lines. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Simoes, Marcelo Colorado School of Mines CO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 219204 W242 5761 SMET OTHR HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 0000 0002962 September 1, 2000 Planning Grant for BioMolecular Interaction Technology Center. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries play a vital role in maintaining and promoting a healthy population, and constitute a major sector of the US economy. These industries have evolved from the empirical treatment of disease to a sophisticated approach for drug development which requires a deeper understanding of the biochemistry of life processes. As a consequence, the accurate description of biomolecular interactions has become a central element in understanding disease mechanisms, and now is an essential ingredient for devising safe and effective pharmaceuticals. A variety of instruments and methods are used to characterize biomolecular interactions. One group of these technologies, used physical first principles for their analysis. These first principle techniques could be used to address a great many needs in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries than they currently do. Meanwhile, the development of prototype instruments and methods for characterizing molecular interactions is being pursued in the academic world. While some of these developments have been commercialized, others, mostly due to their limited market size, have remained prototypes in academic laboratories. These prototypes, while suitable for addressing academic questions, are not optimized for industrial uses, and are housed in laboratories that do not provide the level of security required by industry. Consequently, a barrier to technology transfer has developed. The formation of an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center is an ideal mechanism for overcoming this barrier and advancing the field of molecular interaction science. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Laue, Thomas University of New Hampshire NH William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0002971 November 15, 2000 I/UCRC for Fundamentals and Applications of Photopolymerizations. EEC-0002971 Scranton A National Science Foundation I/UCRC on Fundamentals and Applications of Photopolymerizations that will be housed jointly at the University of Iowa and the University of Colorado. The new center is motivated by the fact that photopolymerizations offer tremendous advantages over traditional thermal processing methods, including low energy requirements, spatial and temporal control of initiation, and high polymerization rates. These advantages have led to tremendous growth in applications of photopolymerizations in areas such a solvent-free processing, biomedical materials, and high-technology devices; however, much of this growth is occurring without a fundamental understanding of the underlying photochemical processes. Hence, there is a critical need to establish an active dialogue between academic and industrial researchers. The objective of the center are 1) to advance the fundamental understanding of the kinetics and mechanisms of photopolymerizations; 2) to establish a venue for active discussions and collaborations among industrial and academic researchers; 3) to explore high-risk, cutting-edge research on photopolymerization processes that could lead to technological innovations; and 4) to promote and/or develop novel applications that exploit the unique set of advantages offered by photopolymerizations. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Scranton, Alec University of Iowa IA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 368000 5761 SMET OTHR 9251 9178 9102 0000 0002985 July 15, 2000 I/U Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Packaging of Microwave, Optical, and Digital Electronics. EEC-0002985 Mahajan The Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Packaging of Microwave, Optical and Digital Electronics (CAMPmode) is completing it's 5th year of operation as an I/UCRC. Since its inception the Center has made significant technical accomplishments in it's current focus areas, namely: area array packaging, RF-microwave design methodologies, RF-MEMS and technologies for high yield manufacture of electronics. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Mahajan, Roop University of Colorado at Boulder CO Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 315050 W244 5761 1480 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9231 9178 9102 0000 0002986 August 1, 2000 Effect of Interface Strength on the Solder Joint Reliability of Flip Chip Packages. EEC-0002986 Mahfuz The PI's proposed to apply both the finite element and experimental methods to study the effect of underfill/die or underfill/substrate adhesion on the solder joint reliability of flip chip packages. This work will be a collaborative effort between researchers at the Tuskegee University Center for Advanced Materials and Auburn University Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics. For the finite element methods, two conditions, namely, strongly-bonded and weakly-bonded interfaces will be considered. The weakly-bonded interface will be modeled using a set of gap elements at the interface. For modeling the strong interface, a common set of nodes will be employed at the interface which will be shared by both the constituent materials. Results for the die stresses at the underfill interfaces will be correlated with the test chip sensor measurements. Also, the cycles to failure of the solder joints will be predicted using finite element method due to cyclic thermal loads. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Mahfuz, Hassan Ahsan Mian Tuskegee University AL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0002987 September 1, 2000 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Particulate Materials. The Particulate Materials Center (PMC), a National Science Foundation I/UCRC , is a focal point for interdisciplinary research, education, and technology transfer of particulate materials processing. Particulate materials processing and manufacture is of vital importance to the advanced materials, ceramics, chemical, cosmetic, electronics, image processing, mineral processing, and pharmaceutical industries. Continual technological developments and improved scientific understanding are required to enhance product quality, to reduce process costs and time, and to minimize pollution during manufacture. Powder formation, powder handling and fabrication, particle dispersion, and sintering of shaped products from powders are disciplines of central interest to PMC members. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Adair, James Cheryl Knobloch Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 212381 5761 AMPP 9165 0003010 January 1, 2001 Wireless Measurement and Control of the Indoor Environment in Buildings. As the information available to a building's control system is increased, its control can become more sophisticated, and improve the operation of the building. Improvements can be obtained through: reduced energy consumption in lighting, ventilation, and temperature control systems, improved comfort and productivity of occupants, and improved safety. Unfortunately, the cost of adding to a building's sensor network is significant; involving not only the cost of the sensors themselves, but also the expense of running wire between the sensor and the control system. As a result, most buildings are operated with few sensors installed, a situation that contributes to low efficiency, poor indoor environmental quality, and increased operating cost. Recently, sensors based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology have been developed that offer the potential to run indefinitely without the need for wires for either communication or power. MEEMS technology uses the semi-conductor fabrication techniques traditionally employed in making integrated circuits, to produce many types of devices, including sensors, radios, batteries, and power collecting devices. The technology has the potential to eliminate the wire required for sensors in buildings because the devices can be made extremely small, thus requiring little power. In this research, the building control capabilities of the Center for the Build Environment (CBE) at UC Berkeley are combined with the microfabrication capabilities of the Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center (BSAC), also at UC Berkeley. This project is intended to provide the initial funding for a program designed to investigate the potential for applying MEMS technology to building control systems. It is expected that the cost reduction potential and increased information density achievable with MEMS technology will fundamentally change the way that buildings are controlled. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Arens, Edward K Pister University of California-Berkeley CA William S. Butcher Standard Grant 100000 5761 OTHR 0000 0003047 August 1, 2000 Advanced Simulator Networking for Vehicle and Equipment Distributed Product Design. EEC-0003047 Papelis This project aims to link the revolutionary new National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS), located at the University of Iowa, with the Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC), located at Iowa State University, through the existing Iowa Communications Network (ICN). The two universities us the ICN as part of their participation in the NSF very high speed Backbone Network Service (vBNS) and related Internet II activity. Both facilities cooperate with Deere & Company which strongly supports the project and will provide industrial-quality test problems and support in the form of personnel that will participate in the design process and assist with demonstrations. Challenges and benefits of linking these facilities will be investigated through two demonstrations. The first will use two operator-in-the-loop simulators. The second demonstration will focus on an "engineering tele-presence" application. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS ADVANCED NET INFRA & RSCH IIP ENG Papelis, Yiannis Edward Haug University of Iowa IA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 300000 5761 4090 OTHR HPCC 9217 0000 0003063 September 1, 2000 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Ergonomics. The Industry/University Cooperative Reseaerch Center (I/UCRC) in Ergonomics at Texas A&M University is being renewed for the first year of a five year continuing grant. The research of the Center will contribute to the technology and information base necessary to evaluate and redesign existing workplace environments and work methods and to provide the leadership for the effective design of future work systems. The Center will continue to provide an opportunity for industry to coordinate and direct research objectives in response to safety, health, and ergonomic guidelines and standards that are being adopted. A focused research program will span interdisciplinary fields aimed at reducing injury/illness rates; reducing cumulative trauma disorders; reducing costs; increasing productivity; and developing responses and research for regulatory activity. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS SPECIAL STUDIES AND ANALYSES HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Congleton, Jerome Steven Moore Texas Engineering Experiment Station TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 154000 5761 1385 1360 SMET OTHR EGCH 9251 9198 9178 9102 0000 0003064 September 1, 2000 NSF I/UCRC in Pharmaceutical Processing. The University of Purdue proposes to establish a multi-university National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Pharmaceutical Processing. Partner universities are the University of Connecticut and the University of Puerto Rico. The purposes of the Center are to explore and develop new technology for pharmaceutical processing, to foster collaborative research projects between industrial and academic scientists, and to promote an interdisciplinary approach to training students in pharmaceutical process research and development. The organizational structure of the Center comprises an Industrial Advisory Board, consisting of one member from each participating company, establishes research priorities and approves all spending by the Center. The Center Director manages day-to-day operation of the Center and acts as liaison with member companies as well as the University administration. The University Policy Committee assures that graduate student research is appropriate for the degree objective, that faculty development is not adversely affected by participation in the Center, and that Center activities are carried out in accordance with University policy. Dr. Ken Hemilich, retired Executive Director of Pharmaceutical Research and Development at Merck, will serve as external evaluator for the Center INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Pinal, Rodolfo Purdue Research Foundation IN Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 494952 V189 5761 OTHR MANU 9146 1049 0000 0003257 October 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Electronic Materials, Devices and Systems. N/A INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Fitzer, Jack University of Texas at Arlington TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 30000 5761 OTHR 0000 0003258 September 1, 2000 Center for Optoelectronic Devices, Interconnects and Packaging (COEDIP). The University of Arizona and the University of Maryland are proposing the renewal of their successful joint Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), entitled "The Center for Optoelectronic Devices Interconnect and Packaging (COEDIP)" under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation. The Center was created five years ago to promote collaborative research between the two Universities and industries based on their strengths in the field of optoelectronics components, packaging and interconnection. The major goals of the Center are: - To promote collaboration and joint projects between the two universities; - To transfer new technology developed within each university to their industrial partners; and - To train highly qualified students and promote their interaction with industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Peyghambarian, Nasser University of Arizona AZ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 164000 5761 SMET AMPP 9231 9178 9165 9102 0003771 November 1, 2000 NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Coatings at Eastern Michigan University. Establishment of a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) in Coatings at the University of Southern Mississippi and Eastern Michigan University is proposed. The Center's mission will be two-fold: (i) to be a world leading academic organization that develops relevant, pre-competitive scientific knowledge for understanding and advancing the technologies of polymeric coatings and (ii) to enlarge the cadre of scientists and technologists capable of being productive in the field of coatings. With this program the Center will directly address barriers that impede progress in coatings: (1) a shortage of precise polymer synthetic methods, (2) a need to better understand film formation and molecular level processes that control resistance to mechanical and chemical damage, (3) a need to extend and develop systematic understanding of degradation processes in coatings, and (4) a shortage of scientists and technologists who understand coatings science and technology. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Provder, Theodore Eastern Michigan University MI Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 273727 X825 V561 5761 OTHR AMPP 9165 0000 0004060 September 1, 2000 Health Monitoring of FRP Composite Bridge Decks. This work will provide a structural "health" monitoring capability for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite bridge decks. Three bridge decks are being built by an interdisciplinary team of the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) investigators to demonstrate the effectiveness of new FRP composite in enhancing constructability, life span, and performance. Each bridge deck will feature a different construction technology. They are being constructed in the City of St. James, Missouri using funds from the UMR, the City of St. James, and the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The construction contract has been awarded; hence, the funding need was immediate for adding "health" monitoring. Multiple fiber-optic strain sensors are being incorporated for long-term dynamic and static monitoring of performance and strength in this supplementary program which is being supported as a Small Grant for Exploratory Research (SGER). INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS STRUCTURAL MATERIALS AND MECH IIP ENG Watkins, Steve Antonio Nanni Halvard Nystrom Missouri University of Science and Technology MO William S. Butcher Standard Grant 50000 5761 1635 OTHR 0000 0060004 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Optimizing Generator Reactive Power Resources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses a major ancillary service, that of optimizing generator reactive power in support of system voltage profile. The rated reactive power of generators are based on their field, stator, and end-iron heating limits. Their operating ranges are further limited by the max/min voltage limits of generator terminal, plant auxiliary motors, the system bus, and generator's protective and control systems. These voltage limits are interrelated by the tap positions on the transformers directly connected to the generator. The objective is to integrate an optimal power flow model with the generator reactive capability model for optimal selections of generator transformer taps. It is anticipated that the research would result in an analytical tool which would help the industry achieve the desired lag/lead reactive powers in support of system voltage profile. The proposed research leads to development of a power flow program that would include the actual generator reactive capability limits. Such a model would determine optimal tap settings to allow an increased supply of reactive power during transfer of large blocks of power and an increased absorption of reactive power during light-load condition, both in support of system voltage profile. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Adibi, Mahmood Industrial Research and Development Corporation MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99546 5371 EGCH 1403 1325 1266 0510604 Analytic Tools 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0060006 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Estimating Software Costs for Web-Enabled Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Reifer Consultants, Inc. develops mathematical models to be used to size multi-media applications and estimate costs and schedules for web-enabled software development projects. As the business world moves to electronic commerce, more and more organizations are being powered by a web-enabled economy. Success in such an economy relies on the ability to accurately estimate and control costs and schedules. Accurate estimates enable returns on investment to be quantified and economic benefits to be computed. Unfortunately, existing software estimating tools do not provide the needed capability. The reason for this is simple; they fail to address the unique characteristics of web-based development projects. The research of Reifer Consultants, Inc, would fill the gap by collecting the data needed to calibrate and validate proposed size and estimating models that can be used to address the need for innovation in this area. The products of this research will be a validated mathematical model, prototype software estimating tool, and user test results that could serve as the basis of future product development and commercialization. This project will also investigate the market for aligned products and services and prepare a business plan for future developments. The commercial applications of this research are software tools that managers and estimators can employ to accurately estimate the costs and schedules for web-enabled applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reifer, Donald Reifer Consultants, Inc. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 96803 5371 HPCC 9216 0108000 Software Development 0060018 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Management Tool for Software Development Risk and Uncertainty. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project from Decision Science Associates (DSA) has the goal of developing a decision support tool that combines methods from software measurement, Bayesian statistics, and multiattribute utility theory (MAU). This tool will support a software manager's assessment and evaluation of risks and assist in making tradeoffs and decisions under uncertainty. Descision Scienct Associates' innovation addresses the following needs: software risk assessment methods; measures of the effectiveness of software development techniques and processes; and automated tools to support managing and developing software systems. The three technical objectives of Phase I are to: (1) develop methodologies to support a software manager's assessment and evaluation of risks and to assist him in making tradeoffs and decisions under uncertainty; (2) obtain preliminary evaluations of the methodologies from prospective customers; and (3) encode the methodologies in a Phase I prototype tool. These objectives will be pursued by conducting four tasks: (1) develop prototype user interfaces for the tool, MAUS-R (MultiAttribute Utility for Software, Risk); (2) seek feedback from prospective customers; (3) revise methods in response to the feedback from prospective customers; and (4) develop a revised Phase I prototype. The full-scale development and demonstration of the tool will occur in the next phase of the research. Decison Science Associates proffered technology, MAUS-R, is directed at any industry with an information technology (IT). It is particularly suited for industries with larger percentages of IT to total workers including: financial businesses like banks, investment companies, insurance companies; telecommunications businesses; transportation businesses, food and consumer goods companies; Point-of-Sale equipment manufacturers; pharmaceuticals; and the power and energy industry. Government agencies are also prospective customers; approximately 50% of the top US spenders on IT are state governments. The target market consists of software professionals at the group leader, supervisor, manager, or CIO level; software process standards professionals-those performing metrics collection, benchmarking, and the like; and software systems buyers. DSA has established a strategic alliance with PRICE Systems, the world-wide leader in Computer-Aided Parametric Estimating (CAPE) tools, to facilitate the commercialization of this proposed R&D) SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ulvila, Jacob DECISION SCIENCE ASSOCIATES INC VA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9218 1321 1108 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0060032 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Membrane Process to Recover Hydrogen from Waste Gas Streams. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the incorporation of a carbon dioxide/hydrogen separating membrane unit into steam reformer pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen plants. This membrane unit will increase the amount of hydrogen produced by a reformer PSA plant by 10-20%. The goals of the project are to optimize and produce a new type of composite membrane in bench-scale quantities and to fabricate bench-scale modules containing this membrane. The modules will be evaluated with model feed gas mixtures representative of those generated in reformer PSA plants. The experimental data obtained will be incorporated into a computer simulation of the process to determine the technical and commercial potential of the process. Based on this work, the overall feasibility and advantages of applying the technology to reformer PSA operations will be assessed. The initial target of the carbon dioxide/hydrogen membrane process to be developed is PSA tail gas. More than 300 large steam reformer PSA plants are operating in U.S. refineries and petrochemical plants. All of these plants can potentially be retrofitted with this new membrane technology. Longer-term, several other large potential applications such as hydrogen production for fuel cells exist. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Da Costa, Andre Membrane Technology and Research, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 EGCH 9197 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060046 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High Speed Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Using Electron Beams. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will combine electron beam curing and dynamic beam control technology to create equipment for electron beam rapid prototyping/manufacturing. The unique advantage of this technique is that it offers 'ultra-high' speeds in the range of 5 - 20 cc/second. If successful, the resulting technology can produce one liter sized, large, complex plastic parts in times of order 1 minute. This increase in speed will dramatically reduce the cost of rapid prototyping so that this technique can be used in small and medium production run manufacturing. In addition to increasing speed, electron beam curing can use a much wider range of materials than optical curing because the electrons stimulate polymerization directly, without requiring photoinitiators as part of the cured compound . Electron beams can also be used to integrate metals and carbon fibers into the rapid prototyped part. In Phase I, crude parts will be produced using this technique, and develop plans for a complete Phase II system that will focus on the large variety of available electron beam curable plastics. Applications for the technology include production of parts for small lot production such as electronic enclosures, custom mechanical equipment or medical equipment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Adler, Richard North Star Research Corporation NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99976 5371 MANU 9146 1468 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060048 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Low Cost Technology for High-Performance Integrated Microcombustor/Evaporator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project demonstrates a new approach for fabrication of microscale combustors for hydrocarbon fuels. Novel technology for microchannel products will be combined with a microreactor concept to fabricate a highly efficient microscale integrated superalloy combustor/evaporator, which uses methane combustion for heating and/or boiling working fluid. The innovative fabrication technique enables dramatic cost reduction in comparison with the existing technologies. The technical objective is to demonstrate that the proposed combustors can produce at least 30 watts of thermal energy per square centimeter of heat transfer area and efficiently transfer that energy to a cooling fluid. This is approximately 20 times higher than the heat transfer rate of conventional water heaters. The proposed approach provides solutions to many materials problems as well as the opportunity to miniaturize numerous components and devices that are currently in existence. Potential commercial applications of the research include lightweight, safe and high performance microcombustors for microturbines, man-portable microheaters for cold climates, man portable cooling microsystems for hot climates, on-board fuel processors for hydrogen generation, distributed space conditioning of buildings, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tuchinskiy, Lev Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060051 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Innovative Blasting to Eliminate Nitrogen Dioxide Formation While Maximizing Energy Efficiency in Surface Mining. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is a chemical solution to stop the formation of Nitrogen Dioxide in the surface coal mining industry where cast blasting is used. The creation of Nitrogen Dioxide is the result of deflagration or burning of the Ammonium Nitrate in the Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) blasting agent. This chemical pollution avoidance technology prevents deflagration by utilizing a technique known as shaped charge detonation. The shaped charge produces a jet of supersonic heat and pressure that initiates the reaction between the Ammonium Nitrate and the fuel oil to achieve near-instantaneous hydrodynamic velocity. The economic advantages of employing the new CastMax detonation system are two fold: the primary purpose is to eliminate NOx emissions and the attendant regulatory costs (monitoring, reporting, etc.) that would be applied; the secondary purpose is to maximize the energy efficiency of the blast. Ceasing the NOx formation will result in the recovery of $25,000,000 of lost blasting efficiency in US surface coal mining for 2001. Not only will energy costs be recovered, but also the use of this technology will forestall the costs associated with litigation, legislation and regulation about how to solve the Nitrogen Dioxide problem. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Derr, Henry Industrial Alchemy WY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 EGCH 9187 5371 1417 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060053 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Feasibility Study for a New Technology to Mitigate Brdige Flood Damage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the validation and feasibility of a new technology for the mitigation and correction of local scour damage at bridge foundations caused by periodic floods, tidal flows, or sustained stream flows. The technology involves a flow control device that mitigates the enhanced turbulent mixing and local scour at the streambed and is applicable to thousands of bridges nationwide. An extensive survey of the nation's bridges has recently been completed by the Department of Transportation and the U.S. Geological Survey; and twenty to thirty percent of the existing bridges have been found to be scour critical. Phase I research will formulate a suitable test matrix to evaluate the feasibility and performance for the technology. Scaled flume tests will be performed at Colorado State's Hydraulics Laboratory and evaluations for a Phase II follow-on R/R&D and commercial applications study will be made. If successful, the potential for savings by the State and Federal Governments through the use of this technology can be conservatively estimated to be over 10 million a year. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lynall, Ian BaE Research Institute Inc NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99989 5371 CVIS 1635 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060065 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: VirtualFit - A Novel E-Commerce Tool for Custom-Fitting Eyeglass Frames. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of a novel hybrid three dimensional (3D) imaging and animation technique for custom-design and custom-fit eyeglass frames, based on the 3D imaging technology recently developed by Genex Technologies, Inc (GTI). The 3D camera is able to acquire both 2D and 3D face images of a customer in a snapshot. The digital 3D face model is then converted and immersed into a virtual simulation environment, dubbed as the "VirtualFit(TM)", that allows customers to select a large number of eyeglass frames in a variety of styles, sizes and colors to try them on the realistic 3D face model of themselves. The VirtualFit(TM) also performs digital measurement of all critical dimensions from the 3D-face model and offers recommendations to assist the custom-fitting process. The 3D model can also be transferred over Internet to frame manufacturers for custom-made frames. Low-cost 3D-camera hardware prototype and virtual simulation software will be developed and tested in Phase 1. The fully functional prototype system will be developed in Phase 2 and field tests will be performed in retail store to obtain feedback for improvement. Enormous commercial potential virtually guarantees the deployment of the VirtualFit system as a widespread E-Commerce tool for optical spectacle industry. The VirtualFit technology can be applied to many other applications, such as apparel fitting, shoe fitting, hairstyle selection, furniture selection, and ergonomic product design. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Hui GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060068 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Skin Friction Reduction Using Moving Surfaces. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel mechanical means of reducing the skin friction of surfaces immersed in water. The concept to be analyzed and tested shows promise of reducing skin friction by 30 percent. The passive device would be fabricated in sheets and installed on existing immersed surfaces. While the concept is straightforward and conceptually simple, a major portion of the Phase I effort will be devoted to a proof of performance test using a simple gravity powered test rig, which will measure skin friction reductions achieved with the proposed device. If successful, the technology would be capable of reducing skin friction drag of moving objects significantly. Reducing the skin friction by 30 percent on a typical tanker crossing a 5,000 mile ocean at 20 knots would save over 156,000 gallons of fuel (one way). Other potential applications include pump inlets and pipes, long-haul tractor trailer trucks, and high-speed trains. Military applications are multifold and include torpedoes and vehicles where high speed is a requirement. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Teske, Milton Continuum Dynamics, Inc. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99980 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060082 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low Temperature Formation of Polycrystalline Ferroelectric BaTiO3 Thin Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a process for growing ferroelectric, polycrystalline barium titinate (BaTiO3) thin-films, by anodic oxidation of polycrystalline titanium, in a barium hydroxide (BaOH2) electrolyte. By utilizing this novel, low-cost method of ferroelectric formation, it will be possible to obtain thin, uniform ferroelectric films at relatively low temperatures (less than 100C) that exhibit dielectric constants around 200. Though films of this nature find applications in various other electrical devices, the company will utilize this novel technology, if successful, for integral thin-film decoupling capacitors due to the significant advantages offered over traditional discrete decoupling capacitors. Another potential application is optical waveguides. Ferroelectric thin films have applications in thin-film passive components as well as optical waveguides. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Nelms, David Integral Wave Technologies, Inc. AR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 97284 9150 MANU 9147 5371 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060088 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel, Low-Cost, High Temperature Composite Proton Exchange Membrane for Advanced Automotive Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a low-cost composite proton exchange membrane (PEM) capable of high temperature operation (>150 degrees C) with excellent chemical resistance and good thermal and dimensional stability suitable for advanced fuel cells in next generation vehicles (NGV). The key to this new composite membrane is a high temperature, high strength, chemically resistant membrane support structure fabricated from Foster-Miller's patented porous single crystal alumina material. Tailored porosity structures have been fabricated with interconnected passages suitable for infusion with a suitable ion conducting polymer (ICP) for high strength PEM's. This new PEM will address the serious cost/performance problems associated with current perfluorinated membranes. Fuel cells based on this new technology will achieve power density greater than 0.2 W/cm2. Membrane cost should eventually approach the $80/m2 level necessary to promote development of the NGV. Commercial scale up of the porous single crystal alumina manufacturing is already underway with a commercial processor of ceramics. During Phase I small composite Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA's) will be fabricated, characterized and electrically tested for high temperature conditions (150 degrees C) and peroxide stability. Phase II will optimize the composite PEM with fabrication and testing of MEA fuel cell stacks. Commercial applications for the proposed advanced composite PEM include cost efficient fuel cells for automotive, utility and space/military applications. As a potentially key enabling technology for the automotive (NGV) application, the market potential is very large. Utility uses include communications, computers (laptop) and remote power generation. Space and military include manned space missions (space station), shipboard power, battery replacements and portable/mobile field generating units. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kovar, Robert Foster-Miller Inc MA Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99923 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060109 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Magnetostrictor Compositions. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at developing cryogenic magnetostrictors that have high mechanical strength and can be fabricated more cost-effectively than existing materials. The potential for the use of cryogenic magnetostrictive materials for a variety of applications such as adaptive optics, robotics, automation and linear motors is great. Several cryogenic magnetostrictive materials have been discovered recently exhibiting high strain and excellent mechanical properties. These materials, consisting of an alloy of terbium dysprosium and zinc, are not commercially available but can be fabricated in small quantities. The process is complex and expensive because of the mismatches in the melting temperatures of the constituents. The focus of this research effort is to develop compounds of alloying materials that more closely match each other thereby eliminating a time consuming and costly step of the fabrication. The result of this work will be a low-cost scalable manufacturing process for magnetostrictive materials. If successful, this project will make low-cost cryogenic magnetostrictive materials and devices available in the marketplace for precision positioning of optics, vibration control, semiconductor fabrication, valves and pumps, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Joshi, Chad ENERGEN, INC. MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 MANU 9147 1632 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060114 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Enhanced Product Sound Design Choices via Perceptual Attributes Mapping. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is concerned with consumer preference for product sound, with the goal of establishing a "mapping" or set of tools that product designers can use to achieve a preferred sound. The P. I. completed a NSF-supported SGER study that related product design choices and user reactions to the sound of the product. This study has used a panel of expert listeners to develop "sensory profiles" (SPs) for a limited range of product sounds, and a consumer jury to judge the same sounds in terms of product acceptability. Preliminary relationships have been established between the product SPs and physical metrics for these sounds, and between the product SPs and consumer judgements. This project seeks to determine the feasibility of extending the methodology developed to an expanded range of product sounds. Three major issues are addressed that will affect the utility of the concept as far as industry is concerned. One issue is the ability of metrics to anticipate user reactions to product sound because of their correlation with the product SPs. The second issue relates to the breadth of a product class that can be represented by a SPs. Variations on the sounds of particular vacuum cleaners and washing machines have been used as a way to develop the ideas, but this set needs to be expanded further. The third issue is concerned with products with different function but which are used in the same physical environment. While there is widespread commercial interest in product sound quality, there is at present no structured way for manufacturers to relate the preference for sound to design goals. By developing methods that are broadly applicable and as easy to use as possible, the research can provide sound quality measurement procedures that can be applied to any product for which sound is an issue. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I CONTROL SYSTEMS IIP ENG Lyon, Richard RH Lyon Corp. MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99765 5371 1632 MANU 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0060115 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Next Generation Component Software for Simulation-Based Econometric Estimation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop user-friendly component software for classical econometric estimation and inference based on simulation methods. In the last decade, different simulation-based methods have been developed to tackle complex economic/statistical models which cannot be estimated by conventional methods such as maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and generalized method of moments (GMM). Although these simulation-based estimators have desirable theoretical properties, they have remained as research topics in academia and have not become useful tools for practitioners because of the lack of user-friendly software. This project provides a plan to study three leading applications for simulation-based methods: multinomial probit model for cross-sectional data, multiperiod multinomial probit model for panel data, and stochastic volatility models for time series data. MathSoft will use extensive Monte Carlo experiments to explore finite sample properties of various aspects of estimation and inference, with an aim of improving and stabilizing the current algorithms. The user-friendly component software will be developed using the state-of-art JavaBean technology and provide intuitive graphical user interface. The JavaBeans will also be supplied as S-PLUS functions to gain a broad user base. The software will help worldwide economists and practitioners in other fields such as financial industry, social sciences, and biotechnology to conduct flexible and extensible model estimation and inference. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Jiahui Insightful Corporation WA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99916 5371 HPCC 9139 0108000 Software Development 0510604 Analytic Tools 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0060133 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: The Auto-Autodidact - A Web-Delivered Learning Environment Based on Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will combine the Internet, electronic libraries, and a new machine learning technique that simulates human understanding of text to produce an independent learning and problem solving environment for individuals and groups. Using Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), Auto-autodidact (autodidact: a self taught person) first learns the vocabulary and concepts of a topic by automatic training on textbooks. Then, as students study and write, and groups discuss and plan, it will continuously evaluate what they know and what they do not know, find relevant information anywhere in the electronic library, and connect participants with complementary needs and knowledge. Auto autodidact capitalize s on the motivational power of peer interaction, the instant availability of enormous textual resources, and the possibility of sharing individual knowledge over time and space. Auto autodidact will integrate LSA with Knowledge Forum, a state-of-the-art facilitator for distributed knowledge-building discussion, and newly available electronic libraries, to provide continuous embedded assessment, tutorial dialogue, and meaning-based information insertion. It will be unique in its ability to construct a learning environment for a new domain in a matter of days. Knowledge Analysis Technologies proffers a learning environment technology that has potential value for science and engineering education throughout the life cycle and for research and design organizations. The firm plans to commercialize the technology directly and through publishers, distance education providers, and educational testing organizations. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Laham, Darrell Knowledge Analysis Technologies CO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99858 1666 SMET 9178 9177 7410 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0060136 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Highly Conductive Transparent Coating via Nanostructured Colloidal Sol-Gel Process. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will support the current trend in developing nanophase materials. This is spirited by an increasing need for nanometer-scale structures in a variety of applications. It is clear that to achieve unique mechanical, physical, chemical, and biomedical properties, it is necessary to develop novel synthesis routes by which an entirely new nanostructure can be developed. When the thickness of the metal down to nano-meters, the metal/dielectric multilayer coating exhibits metallic conductivity and dielectric transparency. The periodic nature of the metal/dielectric lattice causes the light to propagate through the metal layers with extremely low loss. The most unique feature of the metallic optical filter is the ability to have a single pass band and block all other radiation from static fields to soft X-rays. This remarkable property is a result of the highly dispersive nature of metals. This research program will develop a nano-engineered powder: bilayer coated nanopowder. This powder composses three functionalities: highly transparent, highly conductive and a broad band radiation blocking from static fields to soft X-rays. Development of such unique nanostructures would not only benefit the specific industrial applications, such as panel displace and anti-static/anti-reflection (ASAR) coating for lenses and CRT, but also the electronic industry, in general. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Huang, Yuhong CHEMAT TECHNOLOGY INC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060137 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Saving Post-Chemical Mechanical Planarizing/Polishing (CMP) Wafers Using Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcavitation (ACIM). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to save semiconductor wafers from being deeply scratched by unchecked large errant particles in chemical mechanical planarizing or polishing (CMP) slurries. CMP has become the method of choice for restoring the surface trueness of wafers at all stages of its manufacture. No method currently exists that can implement a CMP-safe slurry at the point of use. The proposed novel technology of acoustic coaxing induced microcavitation (ACIM) is a means to constructively control acoustic microcavitation and direct its high intensity energy implosions at specific particle sites. ACIM will achieve both the detection and destruction of the stray large particles and render the entire slurry CMP-safe at the point of use. The ACIM slurry monitor-comminuter would be the first fully in-line, real-time, point of use method for detecting stray large particles and agglomerates and for reducing them to a nano-fine state. The rapidly growing CMP industry presents a well-developed market for this environmentally friendly ACIM tool. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Zambrano, Isabel Uncopiers, Inc. KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 9102 5371 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060143 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low Temperature Joining of Alumina Structural Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a low temperature joining compound for structural alumina. The paste will rely on the low melting point of alumina preceramic materials to effectively wet the joining surfaces and alumina filler, thus forming a dense joint with characteristics similar to the joined ceramics. The program will investigate three different filled paste preparations: a) a dissolved processor paste, b) a suspended precursor paste, and c) a precursor salt mix with a lowered melting point paste. This technology will make possible the production of complex alumina structures from simple geometric alumina pieces, which have been previously densified. Innovations in this area will make the realization of complicated structural ceramics more cost effective in production. The paste will decompose to alumina, and will be densified at temperatures lower than that needed to sinter alumina. The technology to be developed under this project will find wide application in the structural ceramics market. Low temperature joining technologies are needed to increase the complexity of structures that can be economically produced from these materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Van Calcar, Pamela Eltron Research, Inc. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99997 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060155 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Low Cost Semiconductor Metallization-Planarization Process. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative process for copper metallization and planarization of semiconductor scale features. In contrast to geometric leveling or true leveling in the presence of levelers and brighteners, the proposed electrochemical deposition process is based on charge or Faradaic mediated leveling. The current copper metallization process utilizes a difficult to control plating bath containing levelers and brighteners and generates between 30 and 50 liters of waste slurry for each 8-inch wafer processed. The proposed charge modulated electrochemical deposition process will operate in a simple, easily controlled plating bath and will eliminate or substantially reduce the waste and cost of the current chemical/mechanical-processing step. During the Phase I program, the theoretical basis for the Faradaic mediated leveling process will be established and validated using state-of-the-art ULSI wafers. It is anticipated that the Faradaic mediated leveling process will eliminate or substantially reduce (i.e., by greater than 85%) the copper waste slurry and provide substantial cost savings relevant to the state-of-the-art copper metallization processes in the semiconductor industry SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Taylor, E. Jennings FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99182 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060156 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Copper Seed Layers and Interconnects Derived from Nanocrystal Solutions. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project involves the synthesis of soluble, monodisperse copper nanocrystals as precursors in the formation of microelectronic copper seed layers and interconnects. The proposed synthetic component builds on existing nanoparticles syntheses to obtain soluble, monodisperse copper nanocrystals. Copper nanocrystals are to be applied by spin coating, thereby eliminating the current need for vacuum deposition. A passivating agent will be used to control average particle size and impart particle solubility in conventional spin coating solvents such as amyl acetate, cyclohexanone and ethyl lactate. Unlike conventional electrochemical and vapor deposition techniques, seed layer and interconnect formation occurs preferentially in wafer trenches and vias by taking advantage of the slower rates of nanocrystal solvent volatilization in these regions, as compared to substrate plateaus. Chemical mechanical polishing, associated with existing deposition techniques should be eliminated along with the undesired scouring of copper to form a nonlinear interface. Nanocrystals not adhering to a trenched substrate are readily redissolved, purified and reapplied to further lessen waste. The nanocrystals stranded in trenches are melted at a reduced, size-dependent melting temperature; to form bulk copper seed layer or interconnect structures. Nanocrystal melting temperatures will be tailored to remain below 350 degrees Celsius. This project has immediate commercial application in the production of microelectronic seed layers and interconnects through the elimination of vacuum vapor deposition, chemical mechanical polishing and reduction of waste streams. Longer-term value is created through the formation of narrower and higher aspect ratio interconnects which are necessary for the continuing increases in computational speed demanded by the microelectronics industry. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Goldstein, Avery Starfire Electronic Development & Mktg, Ltd. MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0060158 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High Performance Nano-Fe/SiO2 Soft Magnetic Cores Based on Exchange Coupling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of exploiting novel nanocomposite materials for significantly improved magnetic performance in high frequency applications, using the exchange coupling concept between nanoparticles. To date, the exchange-coupling concept has not been realized in bulk form magnetic nanocomposites in high frequency magnetic applications. The improved properties will include a combination of higher permeability, higher electrical resistivity, and lower core loss than those for the conventional ferrites. In this project, ceramic coated Fe nanoparticles with various Fe volume fractions will be manufactured using a wet-chemical technique. The performance of the end product will be tested and compared with conventional ferrites. This innovation is expected to have a major impact on the electrical and electronic industries by enabling the manufacture of low cost shaped magnetic structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Yide INFRAMAT CORP CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0060164 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Composite Materials for Hydrogen Separation Membrane Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and evaluate a new class of mixed proton and electron conducting materials which are capable of operating at intermediate temperatures (400-700C). These materials could be used as membranes in a wide variety of hydrogen separation applications resulting in an efficient, economic, and selective process. The composite materials of interest will be based on a proton conducting oxyacid salt and a metallic or ceramic electronically conducting component. Composite powders of different components and compositions will be fabricated using various preparation techniques. These will then be fabricated into dense membrane disks, which will subsequently be tested for their structural, electrical, and transport properties with the proton and electronic conductivity being of particular interest. The composite materials showing the most promise will then be incorporated into laboratory scale membrane separation configurations and evaluated for their ability to mediate hydrogen. The development of a new membrane-based hydrogen separation process will have multiple applications for use in industry. It would allow for the separation and purification of hydrogen in one step. Furthermore, these membrane systems could act as novel reactors for carrying out different chemistries such as hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions at potentially lower costs and higher yields. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wu, Zhonglin Eltron Research, Inc. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99993 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060166 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Electrochemical Brush Patination for Outdoor Copper and Bronze Objects. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a new means of caring for patina-covered copper and bronze outdoor statues, sculptures, and other structures, by developing Electrochemical Brush Patination (EBP). If successful, this technique will allow conservators and others responsible for the care of patinized objects to repair small localized areas of damage to the patina layer without damaging the surrounding intact layer. Stripping away large sections of patina, as is commonly done now when repairs to damaged areas are effected, followed by repatination through non-electrochemical means, can be time-consuming, expensive, and potentially damaging to the object to be restored. The proposed technique will use controlled electrochemistry to grow a new patina layer only in the damaged area. The new patina shall share the visual appearance (e.g., color, texture, thickness) of the original patina layer, and shall provide equivalent protection against corrosion of the substrate metal. The proposed EBP technique will provide a new and improved means of repairing localized areas of damage to patina layers on copper and bronze. While the initial inspiration for this work was the desire to repair outdoor art objects, the commercial applications may extend to any patinized commercial or private structures, including but not limited to statuary, sculptures, building details, bridge details, etc. Repair of damaged patina on such structures is important not only for visual appearance, but also for protection of the underlying substrate metal from ongoing corrosive attack. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Krebs, Lorrie DACCO SCI, INC MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 9102 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060201 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Methodology for Purification and Separation of Platinum Group Metals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will synthesize novel diquaternary amines with a high selectivity towards platinum group metals (PGMs) from acidic chloride media. State-of-the-art molecular modeling techniques will be utilized to predict structures likely to have a high affinity for the anions of interest. The diquaternary amines are predicted to have a much greater selectivity than comparable monoquaternary amines due to increased steric interactions between the two nitrogens and the polyvalent ion of interest. These compounds will facilitate the separation and purification of high value metals, such as platinum, palladium and rhodium, from base metals using solvent extraction techniques. The diquaternary amines will be synthesized, characterized and then evaluated in comparison with an existing monoquaternary amine (Aliquat 336) that has already been used in PGMs separation. Improved separation of PGMs will lead to a reduction in metal costs, facilitate recycling (e.g. auto exhaust catalysts) and thus minimize the dependence of the United States on imported PGM supplies. These novel diquaternary amines will primarily have applications in precious metal refining. Additionally, they could also be used in the separation and purification of actinides, such as plutonium, and in the preconcentration of trace levels of certain anions (e.g. chromate, arsenate) to aid in environmental analysis SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singh, Waheguru Lynntech, Inc TX Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060204 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Alternative Membranes for High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membranes (PEM) Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project would develop membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) utilizing alternative polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) for high-temperature fuel cell operation. Under this project, GESC, LLC will develop and test MEAs utilizing polymer films. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have received increased attention for supplying power for Next Generation Vehicles due to their high power densities, high efficiency, low environmental impact, ease of assembly and quiet operation. A barrier to PEMFC technology is poisoning of the anode catalyst by CO, a by-product of the reformer. CO poisoning is disfavored at temperatures above 100 degrees C, however current PEMs are prohibited from operating at these temperatures as the membrane loses water necessary for ion conductivity. Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs) can operate at elevated temperatures (140-200 degrees C) but are limited due to difficulty in retaining the phosphoric acid. A great need then, exists for a PEMFC membrane that can operate at high temperatures. The goal of this project would be to develop MEAs that incorporate proton transporting phosphoric acid functionalities directly into the PEM through covalent bonds, greatly extending the life of the PEMFC by eliminating the loss of electrolyte. Fuel cells that operate on reformate feed are being developed for both Next Generation Vehicles and stationary power applications. The potential market for a PEMFC that can operate with increased tolerance to CO concentrations in the anode feed is very large. Such a system would not only capture a large sector of this emerging market, but would increase the range of applications for fuel cell systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mittelsteadt, Cortney GINER ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS, LLC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99463 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060205 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low-Cost Glass Fiber Composites Tailored Towards Concrete Reinforcement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a new class of low-cost glass fiber composites that are compatible with the highly alkaline environment of concrete. The polymer matrix in these composites incorporates a fine dispersion of ion-exchange polymers for reducing the alkalinity of diffusing concrete pore water. Ion-exchange polymers are prepared by attaching polar groups to polymeric matrices; they are now produced at relatively low cost for use in filters and conditioners. The matrix incorporating ion-exchange polymers can feasibly act as a molecular sieve that removes alkali metal ions from the pore solution, and thus protects glass fibers against alkali attack. Preliminary analyses suggest that ion-exchange polymers possess the capacity, in the context of composite reinforcement in concrete, to lower the alkalinity of concrete pore water to levels that are not aggressive against glass fibers. Blending of conventional thermoset matrices of glass fiber composites with ion-exchange polymers promises to alter the favorable economics of glass fiber composites. This would facilitate large-scale introduction of composites as corrosion-proof and truly durable replacement for steel in concrete, noting that the relatively high cost of carbon and aramid fiber composites limit their potential for use as reinforcing bars in concrete. The resulting composites should meet the demands on concrete reinforcement in terms of mechanical performance, bond strength to concrete and cost, and should also be chemically and dimensionally stable in the alkaline environment of concrete under diverse exposure conditions. Potential commercial applications of the technology cover reinforced concrete systems subjected to corrosive environments, including bridge structures, parking ramps and offshore structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chowdhury, Habibur DPD INC MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99718 5371 CVIS 1635 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060213 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Magnetohydrodynamic Formation of Metal Monospheres. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project tests feasibility of a novel cost-efficient process for manufacture of monodispersed spherical micron-sized metal powders. Whereas there exist today various methods for making uniform sized particles, they are either unsuited to high -melting point materials, unperfected at sizes below 100 gm, slow or very expensive. Commercial spherical gas-atomized powders are available, but have wide size distributions. We propose to demonstrate liquid metal pressurization and perturbation of flow through a plate containing multiple high-speed drop-forming nozzles by means of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The objective is a system suitable for use at high temperatures (<=2000C) permitting continuous feed (vs. batch processing), no moving parts, no high-pressure reservoir of liquid metal and high productivity. The research includes analysis, design, construction, and testing of MHD pressurization and perturbation equipment and the nozzle plate. The Phase I goal is production of uniform drops of low melting point metals using MHD and a multiple nozzle array. In Phase II, the process will be extended to accommodate high temperature and increased throughput in a complete bench-top system producing "monospheres" of cobalt and iron. This technology offers a means of producing significant quantities of desirable monospheres at commodity prices. The primary customers for powders manufactured by the process innovated herein are Powder Metal parts producers, initially by Metal Injection Molding and Hot Isostatic Pressing. By serving as uniform substrates for coating, the uniform particles will improve the ability to produce consistently alloyed and dense parts cost-competitively. Among many other markets are filters, catalysts, new magnetorheological fluids and biomedical uses. Initial markets exceed $15 million and the potential market in ten years exceeds $100 million. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dean, Jr., Robert SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99968 5371 MANU 9147 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060220 January 1, 2001 STTR PHASE I: Use of Nanoclusters for Recovery of Strategic Metals. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses the problem of recovery and recycle of strategic and critical metals. This project will determine the performance benefits of a nanocluster ion exchange media over traditional ion exchange resin, when used to recover strategic and critical metals, such as chromium, nickel and mercury. The basic innovation is the deposition of an extremely thin film (2 nm) on nanoparticles, coupled with low-temperature consolidation of nanoparticles to form nanoclusters, and the use of chemically reactive coatings to remove metal ions from industrial process and waste streams. The integrated ion exchange (IIX) electrochemical process reactor, will allow a close coupling of the nanostructured clusters with charge modulated electric fields for enhanced treatment of industrial process and waste streams, and for in-situ regeneration of the nanostructured clusters. The proposed process will facilitate cost-effective and selective separations assisted by electric fields, for cost-effective recovery and recycle of strategic and critical metals from aqueous based processes, such as in-process recycling in metal finishing operations, process and waste streams from chlor-alkali operations, and waste from dental and medical operations. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Inman, Maria Donglu Shi FARADAY TECHNOLOGY, INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 97000 1505 AMPP 9163 9102 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060225 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Liquid Crystal Material for High Performance Switchable Multi-Functional Holographic Device. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate the proof-of-concept of innovative switchable holographic devices through material research. The new holographic device, made from a novel liquid crystal and polymer composite material, consists of alternating polymer and liquid crystal planes without liquid crystal droplets and is expected to exhibit a higher performance than the prior technologies in terms of reflection efficiency, switching voltage, spectrum tuning flexibility, polarization flexibility, switching speed, and switching mode. The Phase I effort will be focused on a special liquid crystal composite material development that leads to the construction of demo devices. In addition to the switchable Bragg reflection, the demonstration devices will exhibit tunable Bragg wavelength and multiple switching modes. The new holographic technology can be used to build polarizer, spectrum dispersion element, spectrum tunable mirror, optical switch, spectrum filter, beam splitter and combiner for optical telecommunication, display and photonics instrument such as spectrophotometer, lasers, optical imaging and detection systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Le Kent Optronics, Inc. NY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99965 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0106000 Materials Research 0060244 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Innovative System for Bioinformatics and Computer Microscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I from MicoBrightField, Inc provides a plan for creating a bioinformatics system that will allow users to acquire images of complete microscopic specimens at the highest magnification of a light microscope, to store these very large images in a web-enabled database, and to share them with students and researchers over the Internet. For conceptual purposes, these very large images will be "virtual slides" that can be viewed at any magnification. An innovative viewer technology will, in effect, provide the capabilities of a "virtual microscope", one which will also provide additional capabilities, including dynamic zooming and panning for viewing the virtual slides. A demonstration web site will be set up to test the feasibility of the bioinformatics system. Although the general definition of informatics may vary, this system is comprised of three main functions: image acquisition, database storage, and visualization. The system will help bridge the current gap between computer technology and biology by providing an architecture that will decentralize data distribution so that virtual slides can be routinely shared throughout the educational and scientific communities. This bioinformatics system, consisting of software and hardware, will be marketed to educational and research institutions, providing them with the means to produce and view virtual slides on their own web sites. The software for creating the virtual slides will be sold with all components needed to set up a computer microscopy system. Among the longer-term opportunities for consideration are as follows: an Internet system for archiving and comparing images for clinical pathology, a service to create and maintain the virtual slides and database for a customer's web site, and creation of large-scale images for on-line text books and stereotaxic atlases in conjunction with an author and/or publisher. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Glaser, Jacob MicroBrightField, Inc. VT Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 76683 1666 SMET 9178 9150 7256 0522400 Information Systems 0060245 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: High Rate Synthesis of Highly Reactive Solvated Metal Atom Dispersion Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of a Solvated Metal Atom Dispersion (SMAD) synthesizer for high rate production and eventual commercial adoption of metal nanoparticle materials. Several high value applications (from magnetic tapes to highly reactive catalytic materials) have been identified with corresponding significant commercial interest expressed, yet development of innovative, scalable processes has been a sizeable barrier for commercialization of these important nanotechnologies. During Phase I, several key technical parameters will be optimized including vaporization of multiple precursors, solvent recovery and recycling, as well as nanoparticle formation, separation and purification technologies. At the completion of the Phase I Research, a conceptual design for a continuous scalable synthesizer will be developed. Metallic, bimetallic, organometallic and encapsulated nanoparticles produced by the SMAD process meet a wide range of high value critical needs. Specifically, initial applications of the technology include superior catalysts, magnetic materials including information storage, improved transformer cores, radiation shield and coatings, and ferrofluids, as well as tracers for advanced systems. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Winecki, Slawomir NANOSCALE MATERIALS INC KS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99853 9150 AMPP 9163 5371 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060252 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Thermal Forming Combustion Synthesis (TFCS) - A New Process for Coating Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I investigates the feasibility of Thermal Forming Combustion Synthesis (TFCS) of coatings. TFCS will combine two established materials processing techniques - thermal spray forming and Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) -as a novel method for synthesizing advanced coating materials in-situ to produce structural, wear and/or corrosion resistant coatings on the surfaces of substrates using simple, low-cost, starting materials. The technique is also applicable for the production of thin-walled freestanding structures. Layered deposits of Ni-Al and MoO3-AlxSi materials will be thermally sprayed onto 'model' steel and graphite substrates in both flat coupon and cylindrical configurations. The microstructures of the 'as-sprayed' layers will be characterized to determine porosity, contact area etc., prior to initiation of an SHS combustion synthesis within the layers and studies of the reaction mechanisms during combustion. The composition, microstructure, porosity level, and basic mechanical properties of the resulting deposits will be characterized using metallography, X-ray diffraction, SEM and microhardness testing. The critical sprayed layer thicknesses required for both the Ni-Al and MoO3-AlxSi material systems will be determined and compared to theoretical predictions. Economic (thermal spray forming + SHS reaction) production of coatings would have significant commercial applications, particularly for the in-situ coating of parts where cost is the primary concern, such that conventional approaches, including the thermal spraying of more costly 'engineered' composite powders is not an option. In addition, the SHS component of the investigation will enable compositional and microstructural variations to be achieved within reacted coatings, which could not be readily obtained by other methods. The approach may enable thin-walled tubes of novel structures and compositions to be produced, for use as catalyst supports, filters and in fuel cells etc. Once proven, the thermal spray forming + in-situ SHS synthesis of coatings promises to be a new, economical, coating process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Shtessel, Emil EXOTHERM CORP NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99933 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060254 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanoparticle-Based Photostimulated Luminescent Optical Storage. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of nanocomposite materials that are capable of producing photostimulated luminescence (PSL) and the demonstration of their ability to do so at room temperature for durations that would support practical applications. Successful production of PSL with such materials would suggest that this technology could be used to create optical storage media for X-ray and other imaging techniques. Nanoparticle-based PSL optical storage systems would provide images with higher resolution at lower levels of production energy. Because of the extensive use of X-ray and similar technologies in the medical industry, manufacturing, security field, inspection and non-destructive testing processes, and many other applications, the proposed approach would offer substantial reductions in costs, complexity, hazards, and other negative aspects of the use of these processes. This technology will be applicable to virtually all X-ray processes and many other imaging and information storage techniques. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Wei NOMADICS, INC OK Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 97729 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060255 January 1, 2001 STTR PHASE I: Methods for Continuous Synthesis of Carbon Nanostructured Materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Project will develop new methods for continuous synthesis and purification of important carbon-based nanostructured materials, including fullerenes and endohedral metallofullerenes. Due to their unique properties, structured carbon nanomaterials including fullerenes and nanotubes have become a large field of research that extends from chemistry, to physics and materials science. Intense effort is directed in increasing the fabrication yield of these materials, since current synthesis methods have typical yields of less than 0.5% for the more exotic and revolutionary nanomaterials. Low yields, coupled with the current high cost of fabrication, has limited the development and commercialization of these important new materials. Luna Innovations will develop new methods for continuous synthesis and purification of fullerenes and endohedral metallofullerenes based on recent advancements developed through joint research with our university research partners. This approach will not only increase the quantity of these critical nanomaterials, but will in addition reduce manufacturing costs and usage of associated hazardous solvent materials. Applications of these carbon nanostructures are predicted to revolutionize many areas of technology, including optical communications, high-strength composites, thermally-tailored structures for microelectronic and space applications, quantum computing, advanced medical diagnostics and treatments, and others. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Stevenson, Steven Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99981 1505 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060257 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Process for Preparing Nanometer-Sized Ceramic Particles at High Production Rates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a novel method, Combined Atomization and Reaction Technique (CART), for mass producing nanometer-sized ceramic powders. The SBIR Phase-I research is aimed at designing and building a bench-top CART apparatus to demonstrate the general technical and commercial feasibility of this method as applied to the synthesis of nano-sized oxides, carbides, and nitrides of both low- and higher-melting metals (e.g., Al, Fe, Si, and Ti). Nano-grained materials can be employed to replace various load-bearing and non-structural parts in automobiles, infrastructures, off-shore structures, pipings, containers, and electronic equipment housings, etc. this could be commercial attractive to many industries. Transparent nano-grained ceramics can be utilized in a broad array of applications including transparent ceramic appliance components, clear "glassware" and artistic artifacts. Transparent ceramics may be used as ballistic protection armors by law enforcement, security police and armored car personnel. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Yang, Junsheng Nanotek Instruments, Inc. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060258 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanomaterial for Microchip Chemical Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel microchip chemical analyzer that incorporates a new nanomaterial that performs both separation and detection of small quantities of chemicals and biochemicals. This will be accomplished by developing the required chemistry and processing to coat microchannels (20 x 50 microns) with a proprietary material that contains silver nanoparticles capable of supporting plasmon surface modes and generating surface-enhanced Raman (SER) spectra. Preliminary studies suggest this new nanomaterial will provide continuous, reproducible, quantitative, reversible, and rapid chemical analysis to part per trillion concentrations in nanoliter sample volumes. Phase I will prove feasibility by preparing microchip chemical analyzers and testing their SER-activity. Testing will include several test chemicals (p-aminobenzoic acid, phenyl acetylene, etc.), pharmaceuticals (amobarbital, barbital, and phenylbarbital), and the four DNA bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine). The commercial market applications for this technology include biotechnology (DNA sequencing, protein analysis), medicine (metabolite analysis), and pharmaceutical (high-throughput molecular structure identification). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farquharson, Stuart Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99993 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060278 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High-Speed, High-Density Optical Disk Data Storage Based On A New Coding Concept. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project studies a new coding technique for high-speed, high-density optical disk data storage. It is well known that conventional optical disk storage is based on recording and readout binary data pits in an optical disk such as compact disk and DVD. The size of these pits that can be recorded and readout optically due to diffraction limitation thus limit the data storage density. The proposed research explores a new coding concept that can facilitate recording and readout many bits of data in a single pit. The data storage density can thus be significantly increased using the same diffraction limited focusing spot size as DVD. The proposed concept is supported by commercially available data recording material to result in a read-only super high-density optical disk. The concept is also supported by a new ion-exchanged photochromic glass to result in an erasable and rewritable disk with excellent room environmental stability and non-processing after data recording. Fast data code recognition using table lookup can improve the data access rate as well. Phase I research will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed disk storage concept. Phase II will realize a complete disk data storage system. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of a new coding concept for high-speed, high-density optical disk data storage. Using such a coding concept can significantly increase the disk storage density for commercial and military, e.g. on-line storage, library archival applications, image storage and processing for medical applications and military target identification, and fast access to large intelligent databases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DeMasi, Ralph NEW SPAN OPTOTECHINOLOGY INC FL Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99985 5371 HPCC 9215 0522100 High Technology Materials 0060282 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Polymer Silicate Layered Nanocomposites for Dental Core. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of Polymer Silicate Layered Nanocomposites (PSLN) as applied to dental materials. A specific material system is chosen that optimizes key properties including compressive, flexural and tensile strength, hardness and reduction of polymerization shrinkage while maintaining the critical working and handling characteristics of the material. The quantum effects realized through the novel mechanistic dispersion of the nano-sized and geometrically ideal filler will lead to dramatic property enhancement of the composite affecting the durability and longevity of the dental restoration. Feasibility of this application of PSLN technology will be investigated through a series of experiments with subsequent characterization by x-ray diffraction and TEM analysis. Due to a high failure rate attributed to lack of strength, marginal leakage and technique sensitivity, methacrylate based dental composites have not been universally accepted as a replacement for amalgams. Preliminary findings and data from other industrial applications support the idea that PSLN technology provides superior property enhancement enabling remarkable potential for further acceptance of dental composites. This research project addresses the development of an enhanced dental composite specifically for use as core build-up material and provides future avenues for improvements to all dental composites, including anterior, posterior and flowable composites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smucker, Lisa Dental Technologies, Inc. IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99626 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060283 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: Integrated Gas Phase - Surface Reaction Simulator for Plasma Etch and Chemical Vapor Deposition Process Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop state-of-the-art computational models to accurately simulate the next generation of plasma-etch tools for SiO2 and low-k dielectric materials. Modeling tools necessary to address these challenges are not currently available, and will be developed by two companies specializing in chamber scale multi-dimensional and surface reaction chemistry simulations. The Phase I effort will focus on plasma sheath model (unified plasma sheath model of Riley/Bose) implementation, software integration and development of new ion assisted reaction formalism. Feasibility of the proposed integrated simulator will be demonstrated utilizing simple C2F6 plasma mechanism of CFDRC and complex C2F6 plasma etch mechanism developed by SEMATECH. The commercial availability of the proposed capability will allow process engineers to design better processes and identify equipment/process deficiencies before they are performed on a R&D or production scale. Implementation of the proposed computational innovation will produce major impact on technology readiness, and affordability through better process chamber designs and higher throughput. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Zhou, Ning CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99943 9150 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060284 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Light Transparent, Electrically Conductive Coatings by Filtered Cathodic Arc Plasma Deposition. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project proposes to develop a new class of UV-transmitting, electrically conductive coatings by using filtered cathodic arc plasma deposition (FCAPD). Cathodic arc plasmas are characterized by relatively high ion energy (20-150 eV) that lead to denser films. Macroparticles which typically contaminate such plasmas can be filtered using curved magnetic filters that have been developed by Berkeley's Plasma Application Group. Filtered cathodic arc coatings are not only dense but may be grown in a vacuum or reactive environments. The window of partial pressure for stochiometric compound films is wider than for evaporation or sputtering methods. Moreover, sputtered coatings (and more so beam-evaporated films) are characterized by porosity, which increases the thickness for the required electrical conductivity, with reduced optical transmission. The primary objective of Phase I is to demonstrate that a thin coating can be produced which is highly conductive and transmits between 80- 90% of the incident UV radiation. Once the feasibility of using FCAPD for producing high density coatings that show high electrical conductivity and high light transparency have been answered, Phase II will optimize the process for larger areas. Engineering development, marketing and sales of coating units is the province of Phase III. Commercial applications for FCAPD films include: electrochromic automotive and aircraft windows; heat mirrors; optoelectronic devices such as UV triggered diamond high voltage switches; solar cell surfaces for space applications Cathodic arc deposition of TiN coatings is a well established technology which supports tens of millions of dollars of business annually worldwide in coating equipment sales and hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the coatings generated by that equipment. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schein, Jochen Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060286 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Nongray Radiation Model Coupled with a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Code for Large-Scale Fire and Combustion Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I study is aimed toward demonstrating the feasibility of using the correlated k-distribution approach, in conjunction with the control-angle discrete ordinates method (CA-DOM), for accurate and fast simulation of non-gray radiative transport in large-scale fires and combustion systems. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used in the combustion industry with considerable success during the past decade. Currently, however, there exist no CFD package, which treats non-gray radiation in combustion gases with the desired level of accuracy and computational efficiency. With a trend towards cleaner combustion, radiation from molecular gases is assuming a major role in the determination of combustor performance, and NOx emissions in particular. Under this Phase I study, a novel approach to predict radiative transport in combustion gases, based on the correlated k-distribution approach, will be developed. The correlated k-distribution approach has recently been used with great success, and has the potential of improving computational efficiency by orders of magnitude. This is as opposed to other models, which promise only marginal improvements. The proposed development will be conducted within the framework of the commercial CFD code, CFD-ACE+. The model will be evaluated by comparing its predictions against experimental and analytical data. Special attention will be paid towards computational efficiency. The proposed radiation model will be the first commercial tool of its kind. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to predict radiative transport both accurately and fast. It is expected to have significant impact on the gas turbine, furnace building, and automotive industry, where CFD design and optimization is already standard practice. In addition, the tool could be used effectively for the simulation of large-scale fires and for atmospheric radiation calculations. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mazumder, Sandip CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99944 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060288 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Superior Corrosion Resistant Undercoating for Vapor Deposited Hard Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new type of corrosion resistant undercoating for application to metal substrates prior to the deposition of a hard decorative top coat applied by physical vapor deposition (PVD). PVD metal nitride coatings such as TiN and ZrN are extremely hard, and thus provide excellent scratch and wear resistance. However, they do not provide adequate corrosion resistance because of micron-scale flaws that act as corrosion sites, and thus a corrosion-resistant underlayer is needed. This undercoat must be smooth, sufficiently hard to support the hard PVD coating, and provide good adhesion to both the substrate and to the PVD coating. Ideally, the undercoat would provide a leveling effect to minimize polishing of the metal substrate. Recently, a new method for coating metal with a thin layer of glass has been developed. This coating, which is being optimized as a protective outer coating for polished aluminum, has many of the attributes of a successful PVD undercoating including corrosion resistance, hardness, and leveling. The key technological step will be to develop good adhesion between this glass coating and a PVD coating, and that will be the main focus of the proposed research. PVD coatings are widely used for applications that require both durability and an attractive appearance; for example, metal-nitride coatings can be made to closely resemble polished metals including brass, gold, and chrome. Current applications include personal items (pens, glasses, watches, jewelry, etc.), door hardware, plumbing fixtures, decorative trim on automobiles, and architectural detailing. All these PVD applications require an undercoating to improve corrosion resistance, but current undercoating options are inadequate for a number of reasons such as cost and environmental impact. Electroplating, the most widely used undercoating, uses significant amounts of toxic chemicals. A new type of undercoating which could meet performance and cost requirements while being environmentally friendly would thus have significant and immediate market potential. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jennings, Hamlin Evanston Materials Consulting Corporation IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99891 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060295 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Universal Home Network Based on Ultrawide Band Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop an innovative wireless network infrastructure for residential homes that can integrate Internet, data communication, telephony, home automation, audio, and video. This infrastructure is called "Universal Home Network"(UHN). The backbone of UHN is the emerging Time-Modulated Ultrawide Band (TM-UWB) radio technology. TM-UWB is a radio communication method that sends pulses of RF energy instead of sine waves. These pulses that enable precise ranging, operate in multi-path environments, and more easily penetrate indoor obstructions. The average RF transmit power of these pulses is below the noise floor, allowing UHN to perform tracking and data communication while coexisting with existing RF systems. TM-UWB radios only transmit pulses with 0.1% duty cycle, so they consume very little power. Pulses in the time domain have a bandwidth of more than 2 GHz, so TM-UWB signal is very difficult to intercept and jam. UHN may achieve a bandwidth of more than 100Mbps using multiple channels. The brain of HUN is the HUN Home Server, which is a dedicated real-time computer managing, sharing, routing, storage, and processing voice, video, data, and control commands coming in and out of the house. The Home Networking market is growing rapidly, because of the declining price of computers, increasing number of homes with multiple PCs, and Internet access. There are also an increasing number of digital devices used in the home, with a prevalence of multimedia content. Park Associates anticipates that computer-and entertainment-based networks alone will exceed $4 billions in five years. Existing home network technologies can only meet parts of the interconnection needs of homeowners. The proposed UHN is designed to carry data, voice, audio/video, and home automation messages in a unified infrastructure. Intelligent Automation Inc.'s near term commercialization plan is to provide interfaces between UHN and other existing protocols to speed up the acceptance of UHN by consumers and industries. The long term plan is to partner with consumer electronics, appliance, and home automation manufactures to design and sell products with native UHN interface. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lin, Chujen Intelligent Automation, Inc MD Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060298 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: A New Approach to Particle Characterization - The Probability Density Function Propagation (PDFP) Model. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative particle transport and dispersion model called the Probability Density Function Propagation (PDFP) models, and implements the model into a commercial code. The PDFP model tracks the Probability Density Function (PDF) of particle position as a function of space and time. Only one trajectory for each class of particle size or type needs to be calculated, as compared to the 2000 to 6000 trajectories needed in current state-of-the-art particulate models. This makes the PDFP model very computationally efficient, which is important for simulations with large numbers of particles where the particle calculations take a significant percentage of the CPU time. From the particle PDF's calculated in the model, the properties of the dispersed phase (solid or liquid) can be calculated anywhere in the model, providing a complete statistical representation of the particle behavior. The combination of computational speed and capability to completely describe the particles (solid or liquid) will make the PDFP model a valuable tool for engineers analyzing two-phase flows. In Phase I, the feasibility of the model will be demonstrated by comparing predictions with published data. The Probability Density Function Propagation (PDFP) model will be developed and implemented in a commercial code. The capability will be implemented in an existing commercial code and will provide the capability to easily simulate two-phase flows that are difficult or very time consuming using current state-of-the-art particle models. Examples of applications where the PDFP model can be used include characterizing nonreacting sprays for ignition calculations, atmospheric dispersion, pneumatic transport, spray cooling, and any other application where large number of particles must be modeled. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Black, David CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99984 9150 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060302 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Engineered Zeolite Catalyst for Paraffin Alkylation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a new class of engineered zeolite catalysts for the petrochemical and refining industry. A looming reformulated gasoline boom is driving the development of solid-acid catalysts routes to alkylates. The intent is to replace sulfuric and hydrofluoric acids with safer and more environmentally benign solid-acid catalysts in the 60-million tons/year alkylates market. Although zeolites have been tried as a potential candidate, they deactivate rapidly on stream. The deactivation is mainly due to the formation of 'coke' deposits that plug up pore mouth openings and block the active sites. The novel zeolite catalyst uses smart structure-directing agents to create highly ordered micro and macro-pores. The larger pores provide efficient access and quick diffusion of reagents to the micro-porous system, while the smaller pores can offer high-surface area and size selectivity; thus specific catalytic and sieving functions. Engineered zeolite catalysts will be synthesized, characterized and tested for activity and stability as part of the Phase I research. It is expected that the unique pore architecture will reduce intra-pore diffusive barriers leading to higher product selectivity and a significantly longer catalyst life compared to conventional zeolitic systems. This new class of engineered zeolites can be used effectively as a solid-acid catalyst for fast liquid phase reactions such as the production of iso-octanes, cumene and EB. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mukherjee, Mitrajit Exelus, Inc. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060304 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Connecting Science and Mathematics through Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop materials to help science learners use mathematics more effectively. The project provides a plan for creating new curriculum materials for the science classroom. These materials will use Fathom tm, a new data analysis software package originally developed for mathematics. Also, enhancements for the software to make it more appropriate in science will be designed and implemented. Too often, science students use less-sophisticated mathematics--for example, computing means or proportions--than they use in parallel math classes. Fathom software, coupled with data sources such as the web and probeware, can be used-to help students bring the mathematics they are learning to bear on science. Students' understanding of science concepts will improve, and they will see more connections between their science and mathematics learning. With three successful sample lessons, Epistemological Engineering will be poised to create additional materials and to implement further software enhancements. The proposed research will lead to significant enhancements to Fathom software and open the door to creating curriculum materials in science education using tools previously available only to math educators. Epistemological Engineering will benefit both from opening the science market for Fathom and from the sale of the science curriculum materials that the firm will publish. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Erickson, Timothy BigTime Science CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 95562 1666 SMET 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0060306 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: IntelliStitch AI: Intelligent Computerized Embroidery Design Automation for the Textile Industry. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project builds upon the technology and success of the company's software product, one of the industry's first embroidery design automation systems. It provides the textile industry with simplified mechanisms for converting scanned artwork into high quality embroidery design data. This data is then utilized by commercial sewing equipment to produce the embroidered artwork that has become quite common on all types of garments and woven goods. Unfortunately, embroidered artwork is often quite expensive to produce. In many cases, it may substantially exceed the costs of the actual garments being imprinted. These costs arise from a variety of factors including an embroidered design's size, layout, and complexity. Well-designed embroidered artwork permits efficient production with high yields (i.e. causing very few defective items to be produced). Automating this design creation process provides additional benefits by eliminating the time consuming manual process that must otherwise be undertaken by a human expert. With these factors as the primary motivation, this research will investigate advanced artificial intelligence and machine vision mechanisms, such as neural nets and structural indexes, to substantially improve capabilities and performance. The advantages of a robust automation system to the textile industry are quite substantial. Creating sophisticated embroidery designs is a tedious, time-consuming activity requiring the skills of a human expert (called a digitizer). Even after this process has been completed, any miscalculations by the digitizer could substantially impede production on machinery. A well-designed expert system could inevitably eliminate these costs and perhaps even provide a level of quality that is not achievable by its human counterparts. Additionally, this research may also have broad application within other fields such as document processing or other areas where image understanding and interpretation is important. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Goldman, David Soft Sight, Inc. NY Rathindra DasGupta Standard Grant 99999 1505 MANU 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0060307 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Development of High Efficiency NanoFilter Media. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposal focuses on providing a feasibility demonstration of producing electrospun nanowebs of nanofibers, and combining them with conventional filter media to form novel NanoFilter media for specific filtration applications. These applications are well suited to address the problems of removal of particles smaller than 3 microns from effluent streams -where superior efficiency of nanowebs in capturing sub-micron particles is very attractive for cost considerations as well. Initially, the nanofibers will be electrospun from a solution of Nylon 6 in formic acid and laid directly on to a conventional support filter media as a nanoweb. The web architecture will be easily tailored to achieve the desired composite filter performance by varying fiber diameter, fiber orientation, fiber packing fraction within the nanoweb, and the nanoweb thickness. This project will be carried out collaboratively by eSpin Technologies, a small, high-technology start-up company based in Chattanooga, TN, and specializing in providing custom-made electrospun nanofibers, with academic centers and major corporations as its partners. Together they possess the skills and facilities needed to successfully carry out the work under this grant. Nanotechnologies developed in the coming years will form the foundation of significant commercial platforms. This business will be a key supplier of nanofiber technology which have the potential for commercial applications in a variety of fields including, filtration: industrial filters, biological separations, ultra pure air and water systems, next generation clean rooms, agriculture and food industries, and microelectronic industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Doshi, Jayesh ESPIN TECHNOLOGIES INC TN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99993 5371 MANU 9146 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060309 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: Supercell for Achieving Very High Static Pressures and Temperatures in Relatively Large Working Volumes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) cell for conventional hot pressing units, which will be capable of achieving very high static pressures and temperatures in relatively large working volumes. This new unit, which is called a 'supercell', will enable pressures up to 30 GPa and temperatures up to ~5000C in a working volume of >>1 mm3. In contrast, a conventional diamond anvil cell can attain pressures of ~30 GPa in a working volume of only ~1 mm3, with temperatures limited to about 400C. Thus, the supercell will have capabilities for processing materials that reach beyond those of today's systems. Utilizing the significant pressure/temperature/volume range of the supercell, it should be possible to obtain the very high pressure and very high temperature needed for crystallization of diamond from liquid carbon, and make possible the study of unknown regions of the carbon state (phase) diagram. HPHT crystallization of diamond from liquid carbon provides an opportunity to produce nanocrystalline, microcrystalline, or monocrystalline diamond, depending on the cooling rate from the liquid state, as well as opening new possibilities for doping diamond with boron and/or nitrogen. This project, if successful, will enable manufacture of pure and doped nanocrystalline, microcrystalline and monocrystalline diamonds, and will facilitate the production of advanced anvils for the diamond industry as well as for production of inserts for drill bits. The technology also has important potential for university laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Voronov, Oleg DIAMOND MATERIALS INC NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9163 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060326 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Boron Nitride Nanotubes Manufacture. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will synthesize boron nitride nanotubes by a continuous pyrolysis method that can be readily scaled to produce industrial quantities at reasonable costs. Intensive research is being conducted on single-walled carbon nanotubes (C-SWNTs) to take advantage of their incredibly high specific strength in composite material reinforcements, and their unusual electron transport properties in nanoscale electronic devices. Their properties and applications stem from the defect-free arrangement of carbon atoms into a filament with extremely high aspect ratio (length/diameter), currently around 10,000. However, the high aspect ratio, tubular geometry, and atomic perfection are not unique to carbon; nanotubes (NTs) can be formed from many other layered materials, including boron nitride. BN-NTs, while also exhibiting high strength, have commercially attractive properties that are complementary to the C-SWNTs, based on the chemical differences between BN and graphite. The most prominent characteristics unique to BN-NTs are oxidation resistance, optical transparency, and uniformity. BN-NTs are currently made in benchtop reactors by arc evaporation of boron rods, a low-throughput, uneconomical batch process. By developing an improved synthetic method, BN-NTs will become available for materials research and applications. Boron nitride nanotubes will have applications as reinforcements in high-end composite materials. The best uses of BN nanotubes are complementary to those of C-SWNTs. For example, the BN-NTs have the potential to form high strength, high temperature, form metal carbides. As another example, BN-NT reinforcement of a polymer matrix will maintain the electrically insulating and optical transmission properties of the matrix, whereas C-SWNTs impart electrical conductivity and opacity to the polymer matrix. Also, the improved chemical resistance, particularly to oxygen attack, will improve the BN-NT stability at elevated temperatures and other severe service conditions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Diener, Michael TDA Research, Inc CO Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060327 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: "RT Photocurable Preceramic Polymers to Si3N4 Ceramics". This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate an innovative photo-curable "cure on demand" room temperature preceramic polymer approach for the fabrication of high yield silicon nitride (Si3N4) and Si3N4/SiC ceramics. No photo-curable preceramic polymer to silicon nitride or any other nitride ceramic has ever been previously demonstrated. The proof of concept will be demonstrated by synthesizing and subsequently photo-cross-linking poly(ethynyl)silizane (PESZ) prior to pyrolysis. This is expected to result in a low-dielectric, low creep, high ceramic yield matrix or coating with wide applications. This represents a new core enabling technology with potential for microelectronics, thermal management, and high temperature structural applications. Specifically, the unique combination of high strength, high temperature stability, high thermal conductivity, and unusual dielectric properties of silicon nitride lend themselves to unique applications that include hybrid circuit substrates for microwave electronics, hypersonic interceptor nose cones, and antennas. The photo-curability permits the eventual photolithographic patterning of both carbide and nitride ceramics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pope, Edward EDWARD POPE DR CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0060329 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Development of an Interactive 3D Environment for Power System Visualization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from PowerWorld Corporation addresses the problem faced by the electric power industry in visualizing vast quantities of power system data. The entry of new players into the electricity industry has resulted in a large new demand for tools to help them understand and analyze power systems. Areas such as system operations that have traditionally been the domain of highly trained engineers now need to be understood by a broader spectrum of professionals. The restructuring of the industry has resulted in new terms, transaction methods, and technical calculations to facilitate the many different types of transactions needed to realize promised economies and profits. The purpose of the proposed work is the development of an interactive 3D environment tailored to the needs of power system analysts. This work will include development of a prototype interactive environment and methods for visualizing power system data. The market niche that PowerWorld Corporation is attempting to exploit is the development of high-quality, yet extremely user-friendly power system visualization software to meet the expanded needs for power system visualization that are a result of industry restructuring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Laufenberg, Mark POWERWORLD CORPORATION IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060333 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Scanning Automultiscopic 3-D Visualization System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a scanning automultiscopic 3-D visualization system. Visual information gathering and interpretation can be significantly improved by presenting information in three dimensions. Current 3-D systems have very limited field-of-view or require intrusive headgear with head tracking to emulate look-around, and suffer from inconsistencies between binocular convergence and eye accommodation. Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes a new class of 3-D displays based on proprietary liquid crystal scanner panels that time-sequentially project a large number of perspective images over a wide field-of-view into the view space in front of the display. POC will investigate the feasibility of the proposed concept through simulation, analysis, design, and experimentation, culminating in a proof-of-concept demonstration. The proposed automultiscopic 3-D visualization system, without glasses or head tracking equipment, will produce a correct 3-D image without convergence and accommodation inconsistencies, thus eliminating eye strain that has recently been identified as a potential cause of eye damage. The proposed research effort will result in a novel kind of high performance 3-D visualization system that overcomes the limitations of current stereoscopic display technologies. The 3-D system will be used for visualization of multidimensional scientific and medical data, for 3-D design, training and education of government and civilian personnel in a cooperative 3-D environment, and for telepresence and teleoperation SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Aye, Tin PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99995 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060342 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Web-Based Collaborative Virtual Model Building for Learning in Astronomy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop, deploy, and evaluate a virtual reality-based modeling kit that will enable students to collaboratively build, cohabit, and present virtual models of the solar system within a web-based inquiry framework. This system will enable students to explore fundamental questions of planetary motion; independently or collaboratively construct models of the solar system; share and cohabit these virtual models with other local and remote students, mentors or teachers through the web; and present these models to large audiences. This general instructional approach has been tested and validated through pilot projects using limited off-the-shelf virtual reality tools. Cybernet Systems Corporation believes that this instructional approach and base technology will open up an entirely new mode of instruction that will be extendable to many other mathematics, science, and technology domains. The market for the project for this immediate version of the software will be middle school earth science, high school physics, and university freshman-level astronomy survey courses. It is important to realize that the underlying technology and instructional approach will be applicable in a wide range of domains (weather, ecology, mathematics, geometric, etc.) and Cybernet Systems Corporation intends to explore and develop these potentials in the next phase of the research. In the near term, the research team believes that there is a significant impact to be made at all levels with the initial domain of planetary motion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cohen, Charles CYBERNET SYSTEMS CORPORATION MI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 5371 SMET 9180 9178 9177 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0060345 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Technique for Polymer Encapsulation of Nanopowders. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project plans to develop a novel technology for polymer encapsulation of nanopowders. Nanoparticles, because of their unique properties and advantages, are fast gaining acceptance by all sectors of the industry. Currently, the use of nanoparticles is restricted by either its unavailability or lack of technology for its processing. One such technology is for the coating of nanopowders with a polymeric material. Polymer coated iron nanoparticles (size range of 5-15 nm), because of their super-paramagnetic properties, have extensive applications in the area of bio-separation, detection of toxins in water, immunoassays, DNA probes, and magnetic resonance imaging. The super-paramagnetic nature of these beads means a lower magnetic field (about 1/10 to 1/20) is required for their separation and this translates to significant cost reduction. It should be emphasized that currently there is no technique for coating nanopowders with a polymer. During this Phase I effort, a novel technology for coating of iron nanopowders with a polymer-polystyrene will be developed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sampath, Arun Materials Modification Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 98900 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060356 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Autonomous Undersea Systems Network (AUSNET). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will produce a network application programmer's interface (API) specification and related implementation, referred to as the Autonomous Undersea Systems Network (AUSNET), for the distributed control of robotic and/or sensor systems in a low bandwidth, dynamic network environment. AUSNET will allow expanded networking services specifically tailored to the unique acoustic environment. The proposed effort builds upon emerging ad-hoc (self-forming, self-maintaining) network protocols. Specifically, platform applications will gain access to network generated and propagated data, as well as enhanced control of the actual networking protocols. This will provide significant improvement both locally and network wide in the use of the acoustic band. It will also enable great adaptability to the harsh underwater environment. The AUSNET effort will examine and demonstrate the potential to greatly enhance application level functionality by exploiting network capability and infrastructure in previously unexplored ways. Phase I will result in a feasibility demonstration. The Phase I development environment will be a simulation testbed, with a transition to a live operational environment planned for Phase II. The market for tools that maximize the potential of flexible next-generation computer networks is significant and extends beyond the immediate oceanographic application into other domains. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Benton, Charles Technology Systems, Inc. ME Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 99995 9150 HPCC 9215 1505 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060357 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Compression Techniques for Surveillance Video. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate and evaluate a new class of video compression algorithms specifically designed for digital CCTV (closed circuit TV) systems. As the market for surveillance video systems has been increasingly becoming digital,"compression has become a critical enabling technology. Current systems employ conservative, standard, and generic compression algorithms that often result in jerky object motion and waste of memory and network bandwidth. This project will investigate a new class of compression algorithm that can significantly improve picture quality at bit-rates lower than or comparable to those in current systems/products. This is done by exploiting the special characteristics of surveillance video and by adopting a segmentation model. The result will be a prototype software module that can be installed in digital CCTV systems as their compression units. This technology can be used in video surveillance systems for monitoring banks, airports, government and corporate buildings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zhang, Jun JunTech, Inc. WI Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060364 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Interface Design for Diamond-coated Steels. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a diamond coating technology for steel that has the chipping and spalling resistance needed for commercial applications. Friction and wear between rolling, sliding, and cutting surfaces causes lost efficiency, reduced service life, and lost capital. For example, the loss of a bearing while drilling a deep oil well can cost $40,000 an hour in lost production. Diamond, which has a hardness that is twice that of cubic boron nitride (CBN) and four times that of silicon carbide (SiC), cannot be used in these commercial applications due to its poor spalling resistance. The innovation set forth in this proposal seeks to develop interfaces between the steel and diamond that will resist spalling of the film. Advanced computing techniques will be used to identify and evaluate the best prospects for a revolutionary substrate(steel)-interface-coating(diamond) system (Phase I deliverables). The commercialization of a chip-resistant diamond coating will facilitate the development of various advanced bearing and wear products including rolling and sliding bearings, engine parts, cutting tools, and biomedical devices. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Thompson, Raymond VISTA ENGINEERING INC AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99626 9150 MANU 9147 5371 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060372 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Video-based Head and Face Gesture Recognition System for Hands-Free Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Future of Technology and Health, (FUTH), LC, will develop video-based gesture recognition technology to provide an effective new type of computer access for people who have difficulty using a standard keyboard or mouse due to disabilities including cerebral palsy, Lou Gerhig's disease (ALS), stroke, spinal cord injury, or repetitive stress injury. This technology is also expected to provide the capability for 'hands-free' control of computers and other electronic equipment for all users who may be using their hands for other tasks (such as typing, driving a motor vehicle, operating test equipment, etc.). This project focuses on recognition of multiple head and face gestures using standard low cost digital video cameras (under $100) and standard personal computers. The system may also be implemented on pocket computers for mobile and in-vehicle applications. Face and head gestures are used to generate mouse or keyboard actions to control a computer or to control signals that in turn control other types of electronic devices. For example, one application is the capability to 'surf the web' hands-free using head gestures to navigate web pages, including selecting and activating desired links. Gesture recognition can be used to replace or augment existing switch interfaces or expensive eye/head tracking systems for people with disabilities, and it has a number of advantages over voice recognition in many applications. Early customers for this technology include computer users with mobility impairments who cannot effectively use a standard keyboard or mouse. Other commercial applications include hands-free control of desktop computer software such as web browsers or text-to-speech, and hands-free control of in-vehicle information systems and personal digital assistants (PDA's). The technology may also be applied for highly reliable hands-free control of industrial, scientific, or military equipment. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Bishop, Jeffrey Future of Technology and Health, LC IA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99999 1545 SMET 9180 9102 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116000 Human Subjects 0060377 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: An Intelligent Qualitative Coding Program. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Idea Works, Inc. tests the feasibility of using intelligent programming strategies to improve the quality, timeliness, and cost effectiveness of qualitative research. A prototype computer program for qualitative data analysis, currently in initial stages of development, will be further developed and assessed. This program uses artificial intelligence strategies of natural language understanding, machine learning, rule-based expert systems, semantic networks, and case-based reasoning to actively assist researchers in coding data. Two related experiments will compare experienced and inexperienced coders performing with and performing without the aid of the program in order to assess the program's ability to help in coding, to enhance reliability and validity, and to increase the speed of coding. Ease of use and user acceptance of the program will also be examined. The program is expected to improve the quality of research while dramatically reducing cost, time, and training requirements. This will make it feasible to apply rigorous qualitative research techniques to a vast range of problems, from coding transcripts or field notes, to examining the content of Internet sites, to conducting literature reviews. The program proffered by Idea Works, which marks a significant improvement over existing qualitative analysis programs by offering suggestions for code assignments to the users, has commercial potential in both research and business applications. Not only can the computer program be used to assist trained social scientists in coding a wide range of data from field notes to interviews to documents, but, because the program is not limited to any specific coding scheme, it can also be applied in areas as divergent as doctor-patient interaction, studies of man/machine interfaces, content analysis of Internet documents, and literature reviews. The project has the potential to dramatically improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of qualitative coding of a broad range of data. It has the potential for achieving cost effectiveness; not only by reducing the time required to code, but also by making it possible for less experienced coders to code with higher levels of reliability and validity. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Myer, Brent Idea Works Inc MO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99992 5371 HPCC 9215 0108000 Software Development 0510604 Analytic Tools 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0060379 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Software for Interactive Chemistry Tutoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at advancing the state-of-the-art in chemistry education software in a critically important respect demanded by students and teachers. The primary research objective is the development of meaningful interactive tutoring capabilities for problem solving. This area has been repeatedly identified as that where existing offerings are weakest. This project offers a new and different approach, adapting and incorporating certain concepts from artificial intelligence that have not previously been applied in chemistry education. A program will be constructed that not only solves problems, but also can explain its work to the student coherently and respond to various questions. The program will dynamically create detailed explanations of worked-out solutions for problems entered by the student or teacher, and provide the connections to the underlying fundamental chemical concepts. This technology will be implemented as a sophisticated tutoring "engine" that can be easily interfaced to add interactive tutoring capabilities to any existing educational program or curriculum, such as those dealing with practical real-world applications of chemistry. The chemistry education software has broad commercial implications, creating opportunities for tremendous synergy in use with other packages and curricula. In addition, the improvement to be developed is of a fundamental nature, is portable and scalable, and can be deployed equally well on CD-ROM, on the desktop, or on the Internet. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Johnson, Benny Quantum Simulations Incorporated PA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 100000 1666 SMET 9178 9177 0108000 Software Development 0060386 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: An Information Handling System for Low Vision. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from JBliss Imaging Systems will determine feasibility of specialized software that enables people with low vision to quickly read and process information from many sources, and to write and send information to many locations. The research objective is to combine optical character recognition (OCR), speech synthesis and recognition technologies, together with displays based on the latest vision research to provide an integrated system with a consistent, easy to learn, command structure. Customizable displays are needed to accommodate a variety of visual impairments. The user interface should not require viewing the screen, yet it should present visual displays useful to a low vision person and be intuitive to fully sighted teachers experienced with graphical user interfaces (GUIs). System functions should include the following: reading printed documents; enlarging pictures; writing and word processing documents; receiving, reading, and writing e-mail; accessing and interacting with the Internet; using an address database; saving and retrieving documents; printing; performing calculations; tracking financial accounts; and using a video camera for magnification while hand writing and viewing 3D objects. Commercial applications are in schools, libraries, businesses, and homes. Since approximately 5% of individuals over age 15 have difficulty reading newsprint, even when wearing corrective lens, the potential market is large. RES IN DISABILITIES ED IIP ENG Bliss, James JBliss Imaging Systems CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99923 1545 SMET 9180 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116000 Human Subjects 0060391 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Ultrafast Block Retrieval for Optical Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to develop an ultra-fast data retrieval method for multi-layered optical memory technology. The memory technology uses 3-D stacking of N paired chiral films with unique optical properties. The chiral stack can provide very high areal data storage densities of 100 Mb/cm 2 per layer with an equivalent volumetric density of 0.5 Tb/cm 3 . The data retrieval method uses image capture and pattern recognition techniques instead of the usual bit-by-bit read out technique to retrieve a large block of data in a single step. The proposed technique can retrieve 2NB bits per readout operation, where the block size B can be 100 MB or higher. Retrieval rates of more than6N Gb/s are feasible or 6 G/s for a single pair of films. The retrieval method utilizes massive parallelism and is readily achievable thanks to recent progress in digital signal processing and CMOS imager chip technologies. Phase I will demonstrate block readout from a pair of stacked chiral storage films (N=1) and will develop optimal data organization schemes for both block reading and writing. Phase II will develop, build and demonstrate prototypes. Phase III will develop product prototypes that lead to commercialization. The proposed data retrieval method provides orders-of-magnitude increases in throughput that will benefit all areas of computing performance. The improvements will benefit scientific, engineering, business and home computing, in addition to the military C3I. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fan, Bunsen Reveo Incorporated NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99838 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060397 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: Machine Vision System for Automated Imaging and Process Control. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an entirely new form of machine vision technology for process control during the manufacture of precision metal components. The technology will be based on a two-dimensional array of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor elements capable of providing high resolution three-dimensional images of metallic components in real-time. Previous research with individual GMR sensor elements with dimensions of 10 microns has demonstrated detection capabilities with sensitivities up to 60 dB better than conventional eddy-current sensors at a lower per unit cost A densely packed, two-dimensional GMR sensor array, combined with a variable frequency, uniform magnetic field generator, will produce high resolution, three-dimensional spatial information for complex metallic parts as they are produced using a rugged, non-contacting sensor system. The data from these images will provide on-line feedback information for process control, quality assurance, and safety protocols during the manufacturing process. The data will also be valuable for the design of more effective manufacturing processes. The successful development of GMR material fabrication techniques and sensors will provide the unique capabilities required to develop a magnetic field sensor array for machine vision and automated manufacturing. The proposed technology will find markets in manufacturing, quality assurance (QA), and process development. It will be used for rapid imaging and on-line analysis of parts used in aerospace, automotive, transportation, construction, and other industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tiernan, Timothy TPL, Inc. NM Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99996 5371 MANU 9147 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060404 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Approach to Optically Transparent Hard Coatings on Polymer Substrate. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will lead to an economical wet chemical method for depositing hard and scratch resistant coatings on transparent polymer substrates. The proposed program, when successfully carried out, will solve the ubiquitous problem of transparent polymer surfaces being scratched and worn. Solution methods, which are easily scalable, have been used to develop polymer-oxide nanoparticle (hybrid) transparent coatings on transparent polymers. Such materials lack high hardness values, which can be dramatically increased by incorporating coarse oxide ceramic particles in the hybrid matrix. Based on this innovative approach to maintain transparency even with addition of a significant volume fraction of coarse particles (> 0.25 microns) to a hybrid matrix, transparent coatings will be developed on polycarbonate and acrylic substrates with excellent wear and chemical resistance. Solution methods of forming polymer nanocomposites coatings are far more economical compared to vacuum/gas phase processing (e.g., plasma polymerization), but its use has been restricted because of the poor abrasion resistance of these coatings. This novel approach will lead to exceptional wear, scratch and chemical resistance coatings, which will have a wide range of applications in the automotive, aerospace and other industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Singhal, Amit NEI CORPORATION NJ Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 99997 5371 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0060414 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Zeolite Membrane Module For High-Temperature Hydrogen Separation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks the development of highly selective, energy efficient H2 separation technologies. The research addresses the development of low cost, high-performance zeolite membrane modules for high-temperature H2 separation from CO and/or light hydrocarbons such as CH4. The availability of such membrane modules for high-temperature hydrogen separation in industrial processes would: (1) improve the cost efficiency and/or energy efficiency of hydrogen separation processes currently performed; and (2) provide an enabling technology to make hydrogen separation economically viable in a number of processes. Such processes include many with very large potential volumes and are predominant in the petroleum refining and petrochemicals industrials, such as synthesis gas H2/CO ratio adjustment, H2 recovery from hydroprocessing purge streams, fuel cell H2 purification, membrane reactors for dehydrogenation etc. However, to date, such membrane-based high-temperature H2 separation methods do not exist on a commercial scale due to lack of low-cost, high-performance membranes. Large-scale commercial use of membranes for gas separations currently is limited to organic polymeric membrane modules in low-temperature service. This program is aimed to develop low cost, high-performance zeolite membrane modules for high-temperature H2 separation from CO and/or light hydrocarbons such as CH4. The membrane modules which will be developed will consist of a highly selective zeolite top layer, in situ synthesized on high-surface-area honeycomb ceramic monoliths with appropriate underlying membrane structures. Because of the unique structural properties of the zeolite material used, the membrane modules fabricated are expected to have high selectivity and permeance for high temperature H2 separation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Li, Zhijiang CeraMem Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060415 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanoparticle Te Inks for Spray Deposition of Submicron Te Contact Layers in CdTe Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for a non-vacuum deposition approach for contact layers in CdTe solar cells. While sputtering is at present successfully employed, the objective of this project is the development of a nanoparticle ink that could be used to print submicron thick Te thin films. To date, Te inks produce non-uniform coatings owing to particle agglomeration. The research objective of this project is the formulation of a Te ink composed of dispersed, nonagglomerated Te particles with diameter less than 50 nm. The efficacy of this ink will be demonstrated by fabrication of CdTe solar cells as follows. First, the Te ink will be sprayed onto the CdTe layer of a solar cell heterostructure. Then, this green body will be subjected to a thermal treatment. Finally, the solar cell will be finished by deposition of an opaque electrode. Characterization will be performed on the ink, the sprayed layers, and the finished CdTe devices. If successfully developed, it is anticipated that this research would be translated to a production-sized (i.e., 100 megawatt) CdTe solar cell facility through the industrial subcontractor of this project. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schulz, Douglas CeraMem Corporation MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060418 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanowire Photocathode Array. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop nanometer scale photocathode structures for use in miniature high-speed photodetectors. The innovation is to use material property based self-assembling techniques to engineer nanostructures for use in optoelectronic devices. NanoSciences proposes to prototype nanowire array photocathode structures for potential photomultiplier applications. The technique employed is to electroplate Sb into a porous Al2O3 matrix of nanochannels. The Al2O3 matrix is partially removed exposing a uniform ordered array of Sb nanowires that are exposed to cesium to form Cs3Sb. As a result of the reduced dimensionality of the nanostructures, the proposed nanowire photocathode has an increased surface area, a tunable refractive index, and a decreased electron affinity. These qualities result in enhanced quantum efficiency over conventional architectures. This research seeks to develop components for miniature high-speed photomultipliers that have applications in optical communications, medical imaging, night vision systems, robotic and machine vision systems, mass spectroscopy, missile defense systems, and basic scientific research. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Habib, Youssef NANOSCIENCES CORP CT Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 OTHR 1415 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060427 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: An Instrument for Swelling Measurements of Crosslinked Polymers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes the development of an instrument that will quantitatively measure the dimensional change, i.e. swelling behavior, of crosslinked polymer samples as they are exposed to changing environments, such as solvent conditions, pH, and temperature. The wide prevalence of radiation and chemically-crosslinked polymers in industries including biomedical, wire and cable, and packaging has led to the need for a reliable measurement technique to quantify the degree of crosslinking, obtainable from swelling measurements, for process development and quality control. Additionally, end-users would like to know the environmental response of these materials a priori. Currently, researchers rely on weighing techniques to monitor the swell ratio as a sample is placed in a solvent. Solvent evaporation and technician procedure make this technique prone to error and transient measurements difficult to obtain. In the instrument proposed here, a micrometer system will monitor the change in one dimension of a sample as it swells or de-swells in controlled environment with a resolution far better than gravimetric means. These transient measurements will provide the steady state swell ratio, degree of crosslinking anisotropy, and the kinetics of swelling, the latter information valuable for drug release systems, hydrogels, and smart materials. There are currently no commercial instruments designed specifically to measure the swell ratio of crosslinked polymers. The orthopedic industry, in conjunction with the ASTM, is developing a new guideline for these measurements that requires dimensional measurements made while the sample is in the swelling solvent. In addition to providing material parameter information, this instrument will allow quantitative prediction of material behavior when exposed to changing environments. This technology has applications to hydrogels, smart materials, films, granular material, and the wire and cable industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spiegelberg, Stephen CAMBRIDGE POLYMER GROUP INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 95605 5371 CVIS 1630 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060431 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Carbon Electrodes to Reduce Ultracapacitor Size and Cost. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will significantly increase the energy density and reduce the manufacturing cost of ultracapacitors for NGV applications. Cell voltage constraints presently limit the energy density and increase the number of cells required for high voltage ultracapacitors. The composition of porous carbon electrode materials will be modified to adjust the open circuit potential, thereby increasing the cell voltage. Anodically stable electrolytes will be investigated to further increase cell voltage. The objective is to increase cell voltage to 3.6 V versus 2.5 V typical for present commercial carbon-based ultracapacitors. Since energy density scales with 2 V, 3.6 V cells would more than double the energy density. This increase would also reduce manufacturing cost by reducing the number of cells in high voltage devices by >30%. Prototype capacitor cells will be prepared and evaluated to determine the cell voltage window. Extended charge/discharge and constant potential measurements will be made to assure that the increased cell voltage is sustained. Ultracapacitors complement or replace batteries in applications where weight, peak power, and battery life are key factors. Commercial applications include cellular phones, power conditioning (UPS), electromechanical actuators, and conventional or next generation vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wixom, Michael T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060438 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Instrument for the Determination of Extensional Rheology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes a unique instrument capable of quantifying the extensional rheological behavior of solutions, pastes and melts. In this instrument a small quantity of fluid is rapidly stretched between two plates to form a liquid bridge, and the diameter decrease is subsequently monitored as the fluid drains under gravity and surface tension. Comparison of rheological models with the data allows one to extract viscosity, surface tension, elasticity and other parameters relating to extensional flows. Currently, researchers rely purely on simple shear characterization or capillary rheometry, neither of which can provide unambiguous quantitative information about extensional flow behavior. The integration of hardware and analysis software will make the instrument both versatile and unique. The instrument will be invaluable to industry where all processing flows (such as extrusion, filling, pumping, blow molding, spraying etc.) involve extensional flow fields. It will find utility in industry as both a quality control tool and a research grade device. Additionally it will be of use to academia, where no simple quantitative analytical device exists for examining the draining (and filament forming) behavior of fluids. In addition the instrument described has a number of intrinsic advantages that make it ideal for a shop floor installation. It is compact (our envisioned design will have a footprint smaller than 0.1 m 2 ) and robust (with few moving parts it will be tolerant of dust and vibration). It should also be easy to use, especially in an indexing mode for intra-lab comparisons (or floor level quality control). The removable plates will allow easy cleaning and the ability to change plate surface chemistry. Finally the sample volumes will be small. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Braithwaite, Gavin CAMBRIDGE POLYMER GROUP INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99625 5371 AMPP 9163 1443 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060447 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Eddy Current Condition Monitoring of Metallic Flaws Under Surface Coatings Using Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to use giant magnetoresistance (GMR) magnetic sensors and eddy current techniques to detect flaws in metallic components under insulative coatings. Innovations and improvements in surface treatments such as coatings and sprayings including thermal barrier coatings are useless unless degradation, wear, corrosion and oxidization due to thermal and mechanical stresses can be monitored under these surface treatments. Conditional monitoring using GMR sensors has the following advantages: (1) Refinement of present sensor technology will enable the manufacture of eddy current sensors of very high sensitivity thereby increasing the permissible lift-off. (2) Unlike ultrasonic methods, magnetic fields are not significantly affected by the presence of electrical insulating coatings. (3) The directional sensitivity of GMR based sensors allows detection of flaws near edges where cracks are more likely to initiate. This project will prove the feasibility of using GMR sensors and eddy current techniques to detect flaws under coatings. High sensitivity GMR sensors will allow the design of small, easily maneuvered, portable NDE units which can be used for structure monitoring, surveillance, critical component monitoring and equipment preparedness. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Carl NVE CORPORATION MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99726 5371 MANU 9147 9146 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060455 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Direct Conversion of Infrared Radiation with Nanowire Antenna Arrays and Nanometer Scale Monolithically Integrated Rectifying Diodes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an enabling innovation that directly converts infrared (IR) radiation from heated sources using nanowire antennas and nanometer scale monolithically integrated diodes. This program will create IR-collecting modules using very inexpensive metal materials and electrochemical processing. The low efficiency, expensive materials, and the need to chemically tailor compositions to efficiently couple to different emitters have substantially limited commercialization of thermophotovoltaic modules to niche applications. The feasibility of electrochemically formed IR-collecting modules will be demonstrated. Once demonstrated, antennas will be engineered for maximum collection efficiency. The applications vary from low temperature portable power packs to the generation of electricity from high temperature nuclear and conventional heat sources. In addition, the creation of a non-biased, room temperature, quantum confinement structure has the potential to revolutionize IR detector technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Simpson, Lin ITN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99919 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060457 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Genetic Algorithm Decision Aid for Network Management and Design. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop new automatic methods for designing, configuring, and reconfiguring communications networks. New communications technologies, like Wave Division Multiplexing, or fully mobile wireless networks and new communications services with Quality of Service requirements all require fast, reliable methods for reconfiguring network topologies, defining fixed and mobile equipment locations, selecting from available media, and providing and configuring required interface equipment. The resulting networks must be able to recover from temporary traffic congestion, equipment outages, or interference. This project uses innovative Genetic Algorithm (GA) techniques to solve these problems and provide end users with reliable cost-effective methods for network design, management, and reconfiguration. The GA based decision aid will shorten planning cycles and increase reliability in designing, managing, expanding, and adding new services on current multi-site commercial and military networks. It will also provide reliable, effective support for configuring military, commercial, or disaster relief wireless networks using mobile switching equipment. It will also shorten the time and expense required for Internet Service Providers to upgrade their networks for new users and services. The methods will also apply to fault diagnosis, network expansion, vulnerability analysis, and performance tuning in existing networks and extend the capabilities of current network management tools. These application areas represent growing multi-billion dollar markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Perloff, Michael SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS COMPANY INC MA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9215 0206000 Telecommunications 0060472 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Pultrusion-Based Production Automation for Revolutionary Low Cost Carbon/Carbon Structural Elements. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop and demonstrate a pultrusion-based continuous, automated, near net shape manufacturing technology. The technology may be able to reduce the finished cost of constant cross section carbon/carbon composite structures by an order of magnitude or more. The resulting change to accepted cost/performance paradigms arising from this revolutionary reduction in carbon/carbon price will open a wide range of new commercial markets that until now have been constrained by cost to using much lower-performance pyrolytic graphite. The research includes design and fabrication of a lab-scale, automated production line, plus process optimization runs and analytical characterization of the resulting carbon/carbon test samples. Key technologies to be demonstrated include the continuous matrix impregnation of moving dry carbon fiber preforms as they pass through the wet-out portion of the processing equipment, plus continuous in-line rigidization of a high char yield matrix. The resulting "green" composite is expected to be developable into a commercially viable high-density carbon/carbon part after a single carbonization cycle. Mechanical and thermal properties of the low cost carbon/carbon will be many times better than the current commercial materials this product will replace. Carbon/carbon has unique high temperature thermal and mechanical properties. A few large dollar-value markets that will eagerly accept and apply commercially-priced carbon/carbon components include heat treating furnace structures, steel-making electric arc furnace electrodes, fuel cell components, heat exchangers, thermal radiators and crucibles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Carroll, Thomas KAZAK COMPOSITES INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060476 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Development of Novel Steganography Detection Capabilities for Digital Images. In this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I research project, Mission Research Corporation proposes to develop algorithms and implementation techniques for detecting steganography (i.e., hidden information) in digital imagery files. Although considerable research has been performed on developing novel steganographic methods, very little work has been performed on the important topic of detecting the presence of steganography in digital images. The fundamental goal of this SBIR research is to develop and refine techniques for detecting steganography and implement these techniques into user friendly software products. The proposed Phase 1 research will consist of identifying the most commonly used steganography techniques, determining image characteristics/statistical measures that can be calculated and used to identify the presence of steganography in various image formats (including lossless, lossy, and palette formats), developing an artificial neural network decision model, and implementation/testing of the results using a prototype Matlab algorithm. This research will provide valuable tools and methodologies that would enable system administrators to monitor files that may be leaving (or entering) a site on the Internet or from a secure facility, with the objective of determining the probability that such files contain hidden information. There are a wide variety of potential users of steganography detection techniques. Computer systems administrators at US government installations would likely be among the first to benefit from development of these steganography detection techniques. Due to the sensitivity of tremendous amounts of data handled by the US government, tools that would ensure security of electronic traffic through their many worldwide sites would be a valuable asset. In addition, are many other establishments including private businesses, law enforcement agencies, and health care facilities that are also very concerned with ensuring that unauthorized transfer of information does not occur to or from their facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fridrich, Jessica Mission Research Corporation (MRC) CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99957 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060480 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Supply Chain Management via the World Wide Web. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the viability of a new manufacturing Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) representing an innovation in enterprise resources planning (ERP) supply chain management that: (1) Is more effective than existing supply-chain management software paradigms; (2) Incorporates many of the "lean manufacturing" principles; and (3) Is more available to smaller manufacturing companies than existing systems in that it can be delivered via the worldwide Web. The result would be more effective inventory management, production planning, and production control resulting in greater customer responsiveness, lower inventory levels, and higher utilization of critical resources. By delivering over the worldwide web with a free trial period followed by a "pay-per-use" protocol, smaller companies can make use of the same powerful scheduling tools that are used by large companies. The concept is a considered to be a better fit for real manufacturing systems than existing ERP approaches. If successful, the results would enable U.S. manufacturing companies to be better suited to compete in the new web-based marketplace that takes low cost and high quality as given, leaving customer service as the key aspect for distinction. Such companies will be able to deliver customized products to customers with almost zero lead-time, thereby enhancing their position in an increasingly competitive global environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Spearman, Mark Invistics Corporation GA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99510 5371 MANU 9147 5514 0107000 Operations Research 0060482 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Surface Engineering of Metals with Plasma Polymers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will conduct research to replace current environmentally damaging metal pretreatment processes with an environmentally benign process. In the approach the metal surface is etched then coated with a sub-micron film of plasma polymerized SiO2. Current metal pretreatment processes for painting and adhesive bonding perform well, but generate tremendous volumes of wastes, including hexavalent chromium and various inorganic acids. To obtain performance superior to the current state-of-the-art wet chemical surface treatments, the surface chemistry and morphology of the plasma polymerized films need to be tailored for specific interactions with the adhesive. Effects of variables including substrate chemistry, monomer chemistry, and ion kinetic energy on surface chemistry and morphology of plasma polymers will be determined. Then, the effect of the resulting structure on the strength and durability of adhesive joints will be determined. By combining in-situ analytical techniques with accelerated aging and mechanical testing of adhesive specimens, a superior, environmentally benign process based on plasma polymerization will be developed and commercialized. These primers will have well understood morphologies and surface compositions tailored to the adhesive chemistry through control of the deposition conditions and/or chemical derivitization of the plasma polymer surface. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dillingham, Giles BRIGHTON TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 92682 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060484 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Engineered Materials - Non-Equilibrium Metallic Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the demand for structurally efficient damage-tolerant engineering materials. New and ingenious methods are required to generate novel, application-specific materials, particularly for the service temperatures between 400C and 650C. Metal matrix composites (MMCs), characterized by a metallic alloy matrix (typically aluminum or titanium) reinforced with a second phase ceramic (typically carbides or borides) have emerged as promising candidates offering increased specific strength and modulus, at ambient and elevated temperature at the expense of ductility. The opportunity exists to create novel Non-Equilibrium Metallic Composites (NMCs) using metallic second phase reinforcing constituents, thereby combining the load sharing advantages of MMCs while maintaining the practical service advantages of a totally metallic material. This new class of materials can be created by powder metallurgy, using solid-state diffusion to generate the non- equilibrium structures. Based upon promising preliminary investigations with the titanium- tungsten system, tungsten particle reinforced titanium alloy test bars will be produced for critical microstructural, physical and mechanical property evaluation in this program. It is anticipated that increased specific strength for intermediate service temperature can be achieved without sacrifice in toughness. The Non-Equilibrium Metallic Composite materials being investigated in this program could be applied to four major market areas: industrial transportation (engine/automotive), biomedical and aerospace/defense where tailored compositions could offer significant competitive advantage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Abkowitz, Stanley DYNAMET TECHNOLOGY INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99310 5371 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0060491 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Improved Catalysis for Carbon Fiber Production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks make high performance vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF) into a commercially viable product by using improved catalysis to increase the growth yield by an order of magnitude. This material has been used to create composites with record setting thermal properties in a variety of matrix materials, while reducing weight. However, the cost of this material is high and the quantities that can be produced are far too low to allow its widespread commercial exploitation. The production rate is limited by a very low efficiency of the catalyst that nucleates fiber growth. Work under this program will improve the method of catalyst dispersion, thereby optimizing the size distribution of catalyst particles, and leading to an increased nucleation rate. Improved catalyst efficiency will result in proportionate increases in production rates and decreases in costs. Markets for VGCF reinforced composites include fields that need improved, lighter weight, thermal management systems, such as space and aviation, high power electronics, consumer electronics, and power generation. For many applications, the thermal performance of VGCF reinforced composites will be enabling. For others, it will allow passive cooling to replace active systems, thereby reducing cost and increasing reliability. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Jacobsen, Ronald APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99794 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060500 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High-Strength, Electrically Disbondable Adhesive for High-Volume Manufacturing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I program will develop a rapid cure, high strength epoxy adhesive that can be disbonded by application of low amperage direct current, is proposed. This adhesive will allow both the rapid assembly and disassembly of manufactured goods. Used as a replacement for conventional fasteners, nuts and bolts or welds, this adhesive will provide reduced machining costs and increased production rates. In addition, the disbonding feature of the epoxy will permit repair and refurbishment of these manufactured items and will allow the rapid end of life disassembly of the items greatly facilitating recycling procedures. The disbonding feature will also allow manufacturing errors to be corrected. Currently, the use of aluminum in automobile manufacturing is limited by the fact that aluminum cannot be easily stretched or bent to compensate for misjoining during welding or other fastening operations. The proposed research will involve the development of rapid cure chemistries for the electrically disbonding adhesives. Chemical and microstructural analyses will be used to gain insight into the disbonding mechanism and allow advancement of the technology. Formulations suitable for high volume manufacturing will be developed. The commercial opportunities are wide ranging in manufacturing applications involving automotive, electronics SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gilbert, Michael EIC Laboratories Inc MA Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0106000 Materials Research 0060502 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Closed Loop Recycling of Copper Indium Diselenide Photovoltaic Modules. This Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase I Research project addresses the environmental issues confronting the emerging photovoltaic technology based on copper indium diselenide. This technology has just entered the commercial market. As it expands into high volume production the industry faces rising raw material costs, escalating waste disposal costs and future liabilities. This project develops an electrochemical method specifically tailored to recycle photovoltaic modules which contain extremely low quantities of hazardous material relative to large bulk stream. It uses an innovative closed-loop approach to remove, separate and regenerate the semiconductor films in a single compact system with minimum waste. Phase I will develop the method for copper indium diselenide. The research will lead to unique a prototype recycling capability that is safe, fast, cost-effective, non-destructive, simple to operate and easy to maintain and that could be readily integrated into the manufacturing line. Converting defective panels into efficient modules will lead to rapid turn-around and higher production yield. The innovation will provide the photovoltaic industry with a timely and expedient solution to manage hazardous waste disposal and improve module production yield. Its implementation would increase productivity, save over 80% on disposal costs, recover scarce raw materials and ensure the commercial success of thin-film photovoltaic technology. The approach can be applied to recycle other thin-film products, e.g. infrared detectors, flat panel displays, mirror scrap. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060505 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Source for High Rate Growth of Gallium Nitride Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is for the development of a neutral, high flux/fluence nitrogen atom beam source for application to the high rate growth of III-V nitride semiconducting materials over large areas. The proposed source is based on Physical Sciences Inc.'s (PSI's) proprietary MID-JET technology. This technology employs an electrode-less discharge contained by vortex flow, rather than a dielectric tube commonly used in traditional sources. The discharge is formed at 1 atm which results in efficient Ion recombination and a charge-free beam. Previously, high flux, high fluence oxygen and fluorine atom beams have been demonstrated using a MID-JET with a gas temperature of ~ 3000 K. However, to produce a nitrogen atom beam, the basic configuration of the MID-JET must be changed to obtain the > 5000 K temperatures required to dissociate nitrogen. In Phase I, PSI will examine at least two new configurations via modeling, select one, and fabricate and test an experimental source for nitrogen. Techniques for combining the nitrogen beam with a gallium source will be examined via detailed numerical modeling. If successful, PSI will demonstrate a charge-free nitrogen atom source with a fluence of about 10 21 atoms/s, 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than that generated by currently available sources. This project will develop a charge-free, high flux/fluence nitrogen atom beam for the growth of III-V nitride materials which can replace existing plasma-based tools. The source can allow higher growth rates over larger areas of high quality material with application to the fabrication of high power/high temperature semiconductor devices and blue illumination sources (including those for flat panel displays). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Read, Michael Physical Sciences Incorporated (PSI) MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99981 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060510 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Mesh Generation for High-Order Finite Element Methods. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop technologies to generate curved meshes over general three-dimensional domains that are appropriate for high-order finite element analysis. A current stumbling block to the wide adoption of high-order finite element techniques is the lack of automatic means to generate appropriate curved meshes. This project will develop a new and innovative procedure for the effective generation of these types of meshes. The commercial application of this research is the integration of CAD technologies with advanced automated simulation techniques to be used within engineering design processes. These tools will reduce the time and costs associated with performing engineering analysis during design and increase the accuracy of the predictions obtained. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG O'Bara, Robert Simmetrix, Inc. NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99761 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060511 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Minimal Sensor Signal Processing for Turbine Engine Health Monitoring. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop full waveform models and minimal sensor algorithms for the GDATS eddy current sensor (ECS), recently chosen for the EMD phase of the JSF development. These algorithms will enable the practical real-time high performance health monitoring for turbine engines. Current processing techniques could require four or more sensors; however, these approaches do not make use of all the information made available by the ECS. Using the full ECS signature, it is possible, in theory, to estimate integral vibration frequency, phase and amplitude using only a single sensor. The reduction of the number of sensors required in each engine stage could potentially save millions of dollars. There are no systems commercially available today for continuous health monitoring of aircraft gas turbine engines. The minimal sensor algorithms for continuous health monitoring have a large market. The customers are USAF, USN and UK MOD. Not only are such systems expected to be put on all new turbine engines such as for the JSF, but they will be retrofitted to the older aircraft as well. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Teolis, Carole Techno-Sciences, Inc. MD Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060513 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Cofacial Metal Complexes as Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves developing highly active oxygen reduction catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Most of the technologies and subsystems for PEM fuel cells are currently well established via vigorous efforts by both the government and private industries. However, the electrochemical reduction of O2 to H2O in acid at potentials close to the thermodynamically permitted value remains a daunting challenge. The primary technical barrier to achieving higher operating voltages is the large cathode overvoltage due to the low activity of the oxygen reduction catalyst. Therefore, improvements are necessary in oxygen reduction catalysts to meet PNGV performance and cost targets. In this SBIR Phase I program, highly active oxygen reduction catalyst will be synthesized by supporting cofacial metal complexes on nanostructured carbon aerogels. Electrode structures will be designed for fuel cell catalysts. The aerogel support will be designed to stabilize the cofacial structure of the metal complexes and optimized for both reactivity and facile molecular access. The catalysts will have significantly higher activities and utilization efficiencies than current state-of-the-art Pt catalysts and lead to reduced catalyst loadings. The catalyst activity in PEM fuel cells is too low to make these cells attractive power plants for transportation applications. If the proposed research is successful the resulting catalysts that are more active than the Pt/C catalyst would make PEM fuel cells commercially viable power sources. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rhine, Wendell ASPEN SYSTEMS INC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060515 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Control of the Nanostructure of Organic Photovoltaic Films by Interdiffusion. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will demonstrate a new approach to optimize thin film photovoltaic device fabrication. The requirements for the efficient conversion of solar radiation to light are a challenge to modern solid state physics and engineering. The task is to provide conversion elements, which are efficient, cheap, and long-lived in order to compete with sources of electric energy which exploit non-regenerative resources of our planet. Organic solid state devices offer several advantages which make them highly interesting for this area of scientific research and commercial development: (1) tunability of the absorption properties, (2) low cost of production due to the ease of fabrication and low costs for the raw materials, (3) mechanical flexibility. One could produce 10,000 m2 of active solar panels with a film thickness of the organic active layer of 100 nm using only 1 kg of organic material. Luna proposes to use an interdiffusion process to fabricate thin film, organic photovoltaic devices that are characterized electrically and optically during the fabrication step. This unprecedented, new approach allows one to optimize device performance during fabrication and to resolve the kinetics of the chemical and physical processes which take place during the interdiffusion of two species of organic molecules. Thin film photodiodes and solar cells have immediate application in various commercial areas for inexpensive, large area, flexible optical detection and energy conversion devices in optical communications, household appliances, and commercial electronics. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Michael Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99946 1505 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060519 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Transparent Nanocrystalline Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project, proposes to synthesize and consolidate nanocrystalline powders of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) for optical window applications. Optical window materials must meet extreme service requirements because they control the beam effectiveness and power output characteristics of laser/optical devices. Single crystal YAG is an ideal material for laser optics because of its excellent opto-mechanical properties. It is optically transparent in the wavelength region 200 to1200 nm (from ultraviolet to near-infrared) and from 2.5 to 6.0um (infrared). Unfortunately, single crystal YAG is costly and technically difficult to produce because of its high melting point (1970oC). One economically viable alternative is to fabricate transparent YAG ceramics using fine-grained polycrystalline powders. The field of nanomaterials offers excellent opportunities to fabricate optically transparent materials from polycrystalline powder, with opto-mechanical properties similar to single crystals. The use of polycrystalline YAG as a window material will revolutionize the laser industry by significantly reducing window cost. Transparent YAG has many applications in the laser and optics industries. It can be used as a window in high performance laser modules, wavefront analysis systems, beam collimation testers, spectrometers, laser power/energy meters, industrial turnkey laser systems for coding, 3D optical surface mapping, micro-machining, laser Doppler anemometers and imaging spectrographs. Lower cost laser systems will find more applications, especially in personal computers CD-ROMs with laser diodes, laser printers, and modems, which require optical isolation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ravi, B. G. Materials Modification Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99500 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060522 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Microlaser Array. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a new class of low threshold, high efficiency laser array for telecommunication and optical integration applications using nanomaterial fabrication technology. By incorporating photonic crystals into nanochannel-hosted dye lasers, a novel microlaser array will be developed. Laser active dye materials have been proven to emit coherently in microcavities of nanopore host microcrystals. By incorporating the photonic crystal concept in the microlaser cavity design, more efficient lasing is anticipated for the embedded dye microlasers. Success in developing a microlaser array will lead to flexible and novel products for telecommunication and optical circuits. The Phase I program will investigate the fabrication of nanochannel materials, characterize the nanochannel materials, and determine how to incorporate the photonic crystal into the nanochannel materials. Since microlaser arrays can be readily incorporated into silicon-based photonic devices, there are immediate commercial applications to the telecommunication industry. There is also long term potential for microlaser arrays in display, laser printing and all optical integrated circuits. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Hongwei NANOSCIENCES CORP CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060524 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Concise Visualization of a Document Collection via Conceptual Clustering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will spin off NSF-sponsored basic research on knowledge discovery at Carnegie Mellon University computer science department. The result will be commercial software that can convey the contents of hundreds or thousands of documents on one computer screen with minimal clicking and scrolling. This capability will enhance information needs as diverse as search, overviewing, and browsing, and alleviate the problem of information overload, which today confronts all retrievers of computer-based textual information. The basic approach is a new form of conceptual clustering that emphasizes the human describability of the resulting document clusters. The techniques combine classical hierarchical clustering with results from the PI's research on data-driven knowledge discovery, which focused on generating very concise and contrastive descriptions of a large number of classes (here, document clusters). The overall goal is to replace the tedious long ranked list display of matching documents, which is nearly universal, but which forces users into repeated and inefficient clicking, backtracking, and scrolling. The potential market opportunities include any domain where more than a few dozen relevant matches are returned for typical information queries, such as web searches, news, patents, scientific research abstracts, proprietary corporate information, and, generally the content delivered by the numerous vendors of specialized information services. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Valdes-Perez, Raul Vivisimo, Inc. PA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99437 5371 HPCC 9216 9102 0522400 Information Systems 0060526 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Computer Interfaced Fermentation Biotechnology Resources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project deals with the science of fermentation which to date has not been integrated into teaching laboratory activities. While molecular biology is an important aspect of biotechnology, thus far other aspects of biotechnology such as fermentation technology have not been incorporated into science curricula. The following are the main objectives of this project: (1) to research and design classroom laboratory bioreactors; (2) to interface bioinformatics and fermentation technology; (3) to develop problem-based fermentation experiments; and (4) to assess the pedagogy of fermentation resources to be researched. The intention is not to duplicate existing microbiology activities, but rather to develop fermentation experiments that fit the proposed bioreactor strategy. Equally important, the experiments to be researched will provide real world "beginning to end" biological problems instead of reagents out of bottles. There is a significant business opportunity since currently no equivalent commercially available fermentation bioreactors are available for science education. There is research grade equipment, but such equipment is not affordable for the education market. The company's customers are high school teachers and undergraduate college faculty. These customers are also potential customers for fermentation bioreactors and related products. The proposed fermentation product would broaden the current offerings and increase sales. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Chirikjian, Mark EDVOTEK Inc MD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99869 1666 SMET 9178 9177 7256 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0101000 Curriculum Development 0060533 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Sputtered Quasicrystalline Films: A Commercial Breakthrough. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop low friction, wear resistant coatings of the Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline (QC) phase. QC coatings appear to be especially suited for anti-seize, anti-fretting applications for both fixed interfaces subjected to vibration or long duration exposures to hostile ambients that include intermittent vibration. These qualities of QC films are believed to be a result of the unusually low surface energies for these structures. The overall program objective is to demonstrate the low friction and wear resistive properties of dense, high quality, magnetron sputtered Al-Cu-Fe icosahedral, quasicrystalline thin films. Magnetron sputtering of QC films will be conducted from thermal shock resistant targets, manufactured from a new proprietary technique developed by TA&T. Coefficient of Friction, wear resistance, surface energy, phase content, and stoichiometry of the films will be measured and correlated with DSC measurements and sputtering and annealing parameters. The ability of QC coatings to resist chemical changes, fretting and sliding wear while maintaining low surface energy (non-adhesive) characteristics could make them ideal coatings for a variety of commercial and military applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Fehrenbacher, Larry Technology Assessment & Transfer, Inc. MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99980 5371 MANU 9163 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060534 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase 1: A Novel Joining Process for Tubular Structures in Automotive and Aerospace Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project explores the feasibility of using a newly invented novel materials joining process based on electromagnetic theory as a reliable and economic method to weld tubular structures. The project will conduct research and engineering that will address the following critical technical hurdles for the commercial implementation and dissemination of the new welding technology: (1) A comprehensive understanding and characterization of the process; (2) An effective methodology for design and optimization of the system apparatus and welding procedure; (3) Special weld head design and manufacturing to allow for quick loading and unloading the workpiece in the production environment; (4) Industrial system prototyping for an automated welding system that can be integrated in automotive assembly line, and (5) Process and performance specifications. The successful development of such technology would revolutionize the assembly process of the hydroformed tubular structures in automotive chassis and space frame applications. It will also promote the hybrid automotive body structure design that uses both aluminums and steels, and enable joining of different materials such as titanium to superalloys for aerospace and electronic applications. A new multi-million dollar/year specialty tube joining process is expected in about 5 years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Feng, Zhili Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060540 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Interphase Development for Nanofiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will create nanofiber reinforced thermoplastics as an economical composite for use in structural components. Carbon nanofibers have superior and highly touted intrinsic mechanical properties to contribute to reinforcement of composites. However, their extremely small size, and thus high surface to volume ratio, makes attainment of a strong interface crucial to transferring the intrinsic nanofiber properties to the composite as a whole. Starting from a knowledge base developed under a prior NIST ATP program, this project will further develop methods of nanofiber surface modification and characterization to solve the interface problem, promote solid adhesion between the nanofibers and thermoplastic matrix materials, and create and test the first practical nanofiber reinforced composits for structural materials. Nanofiber reinforced thermoplastics will result in lighter, less expensive structural composites for applications in automobiles, sporting goods and aerospace vehicles. The use of thermoplastics will reduce material costs relative to thermoset composites, and permit economical injection molding processes to be used. Also, electrostatic painting processes will be enabled, reducing the emission of solvents and other unwanted effluents. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I MECHANICS OF MATERIALS IIP ENG Glasgow, D. Gerald APPLIED SCIENCES, INC. OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99960 5371 1630 CVIS 1630 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060546 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Parallel Processing of Time-Lapse Seismic Data via the Internet. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation concerns the processing and analysis of time-lapse seismic data on parallel computers, using the internet to control the processing flow and visualize the results. In recent years, there has been exponential growth in time-lapse seismic project activity. Time-lapse seismic analysis facilitates the management of oil and gas reservoirs by imaging fluid movement in the reservoir over time. The results are used to guide reservoir management decisions--such as where to place a new well or where to inject water, gas, or steam to stimulate hydrocarbon movement--and help maximize the life of both new and existing fields while minimizing recovery costs. The computer algorithms needed to process time-lapse seismic data are complex and require advanced computational hardware--typically multiprocessor Unix workstations or clusters of personal computers--that can execute instructions in parallel. There is little standardization in parallel hardware. Customers typically have no parallel machines at all or machines whose architecture is fundamentally different from that of the software vendor--hindering the marketing and deployment of this software. The proposed innovation will allow customers to process their data on a centralized PC cluster, using the internet to control the processing and visualize the results. It will also improve the links between the components of the time-lapse seismic workflow, leading to greater understanding and more widespread commercial acceptance of the technology. Potential applications of the proposed research include petroleum industry mapping of bypassed oil, monitoring of costly injected fluids, and imaging flow compartmentalization and the hydraulic properties of faults and fractures. Non-petroleum applicatons include monitoring groundwater reserves, subsurface monitoring of contaminant plumes and environmental clean-up projects. The internet-based parallel software system developed for this project could be applied to other compute-intensive fields suchas medical and satellite imaging, weather forecasting, and finance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cole, Stephen Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99852 5371 HPCC CVIS 9139 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0060554 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Fast Parallel Grid-Free Method for Simulating Turbulent Incompressible Flow In/Around Time-Varying Geometries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project prepares the ground-work for the development of the first commercially available Computational Fluid Dynamics package for a truly grid-free Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of turbulent incompressible vortex dominated flow in complex time-varying geometries. The computational engine is based on the parallel, fast multi-pole implementation of a Lagrangian vortex-boundary element method. Turbulence is accounted for via LES, using a Lagrangian dynamic Smagorinsky sub-grid scale model. The method is: (1) fully grid-free in the fluid domain, (2) free of numerical diffusion, (3) inherently solution-adaptive, and (4) capable of modeling inhomogeneous unsteady wall-bounded turbulent flow. To this end, two new ideas will be developed during Phase I: A grid-free method for predicting diffusion with variable-viscosity, which is a pre-requisite for LES modeling; and a non-diffusive vortex merging strategy to curb the proliferation of particles and maintain long-time accuracy. These will then be incorporated into the Lagrangian vortex element method to demonstrate the salient features of grid-free vortex-based LES modeling of turbulent flows, using the prototypical example of the evolution of an initially perturbed infinite-Reynolds-number vortex ring in free space. The software is ideal for simulation and analysis of complex turbulent flow phenomena. This includes vortex breakdown, (massive) flow separation, vortex shedding, transient jets in cross-stream, wake-body interaction, high-swirl flow, etc. All are associated with the design of advanced flow control mechanisms used, for example, to reduce flow-induced noise and vibration, and to improve lift/drag performance at reduced energy consumption rates. Examples are flow over bluff bodies such as ground or under-water vehicles; in engines; in/around rotating machinery such as pumps and fans; helicopters; or in data storage units with rotating and moving parts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Gharakhani, Adrin Applied Scientific Research CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 84338 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060564 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Carbon Composite Transmission Conductor Development. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the development of Advanced Carbon Composite Transmission Conductors for application in high voltage transmission grid systems. This technology will enable greater electric power transmission capacity to be realized by facilitating operation at higher temperatures as compared with conventional metallic conductors. The demand for electric power in North America and Europe has risen in proportion with economic growth. Utilities worldwide are seeking new methods to transport more power though overhead transmission corridors. This demand is not anticipated to diminish as the technological age advances. Environmental, regulatory and economic constraints have constrained the installation of new transmission line corridors that are needed to meet this demand. An alternative is to upgrade existing transmission corridors to accommodate increased power flow. In order to address the increasing power demands of industrialized nations advanced conductors offer the potential to enable distribution grids the capacity to meet this challenge. This project will address the requirements for utilities worldwide to facilitate increased power flow through existing overhead high voltage transmission corridors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Smith, Jack Applied Thermal Sciences, Inc. ME Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99372 5371 CVIS 9163 1630 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060575 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-Based Decision Support Management Application to Optimize Site-Specific Environmental Stewardship. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project leads to increased productivity at environmental restoration sites through an innovative integrated application of geographic information systems (GIS), databases, simulation modeling, optimization, and artificial neural networks. The project begins with the understanding that environmental decisions involve many stakeholders, each with different priorities among several objectives. The research goals for this environmental information technology project are to: (1) identify and develop a hierarchy of neural networks that efficiently estimate uncertainty in data and predict the uncertainty as a result of monitoring and remediation decisions; (2) integrate such estimates and data into methods to optimize monitoring and remediation operations, which are coupled with large-scale simulation models used for environmental fate, transport, and risk analysis; (3) store sets of optimized results, which can include different stakeholders' objectives and constraints, in databases; and (4) present results to decision making end-users through a GIS interface. The commercial application of this research, presenting results to decision making end-users through a GIS focuses on subsurface (groundwater and soil) remediation at thousands of sites nationwide, and will be realized by licensing to firms for sales to remediation contractors. The research has near-term applications in climate, weather, air pollution, water, forest, and mineral resources, and emergency planning. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Rizzo, Donna SUBTERRANEAN RESEARCH, INC. VT Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99495 5371 EGCH 9197 9150 9102 0313000 Regional & Environmental 0060587 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Question Answering. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I proposal will enable the development of commercial products baced on the advanced technology of Language Computer Corporation (LCC). The technology involves Question Answering (Q/A). Several research objectives are identified to make this work. The first one is to develop a viable commercial product out of the technology by redesigning the key components of the system: indexing, search engine, and the answer extraction module. The second objective is to study and design a scalable, distributed Q/A system architecture capable of serving a large number of users simultaneously. The third objective is to extract user profile information for the purpose of increasing the service quality and revenues. The final objective is to evaluate the performance of the products in the laboratory environment, as well as in a small scale Application Service Provider (ASP) model with real users of two beta customers. The proposed suite of three products is based on leading edge research on question answering performed by the LCC management team. The significance of this work is that by developing robust, scalable question answering products, it takes the search engine technology a step closer to providing users with quality information that is accurate and concise. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sheraw, Barry Language Computer Corporation TX Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99852 5371 HPCC 9215 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0060589 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: In-Situ Spectral Ellipsometry Feedback Control Instrument for Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) of Complex Oxides. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project lays the foundation for developing and implementing an in-situ feedback control instrument for Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) of complex oxides. If successful, the project will result in real time in-situ feedback monitors addressing the quality of the actual film being deposited by a complex oxide MOCVD tool for process development and for production. The program is specifically focused on lead zirconium titanate (PZT) for non-volatile ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) fabrication, but the resulting technology will be applicable to other oxides. This project will develop a real-time in-situ Spectral Ellipsometry film analysis tool that can feedback into process control. Specifically, the developed technology will monitor the optical constants, thickness, composition and surface/interface morphology. Phase I will focus on development of ex-situ sample-data libraries (calibrated to physical measurements) and refine the tool design. In Phase II, a film analysis unit will be mated to an existing pilot production reactor. The unit will be implemented, data libraries refined, and feedback control software and hardware developed. Phase III commercialization will consist of marketing complete oxide MOCVD systems with Spectral Ellipsometer based in-situ process monitors that enable real time feedback for quality control of deposited films. This will enable high yield economical manufacture of complex material based devices such as non-volatile memories and infrared detectors, among others, at levels far above those now possible. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tompa, Gary STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060590 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Coordination Complexes for the Synthesis of Nanocrystalline SrRuO3. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a method for making nanocrystalline strontium ruthenate (SrRuO3) using new coordination compounds. Strontium ruthenate has been identified as a replacement for pure metal electrodes in dielectric and ferroelectric thin-film devices. For these devices, there will be a need for high-density SrRuO3. Strontium ruthenate powder made by traditional solid-state synthetic techniques does not sinter sufficiently owing to the powder's large particle size. To achieve higher densities, nanocrystalline SrRuO3 is needed. Reducing the particle size generally reduces the densification temperature making it easier to achieve a high-density material. Chemical routes to produce nanocrystalline SrRuO3 will be used. Coordination compounds will be identified for use as precursors. At the conclusion of Phase I, a precursor will be identified that allows for the production of nanocrystalline SrRuO3. Nanocrystalline SrRuO3 will be needed to make high-density sputtering targets that will be used to make thin-film electrodes in the next generation of high capacity stack storage capacitors memory devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Revur, Rao SUPERCONDUCTIVE COMPONENTS INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1984 1968 1954 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0106000 Materials Research 0060593 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Latent-Reactive Surface Modification Reagents for Biofilm Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop new reagents subject to thermal activation for bonding water-soluble microbicidal polymers and surfactants to the lumen surface of a variety of opaque tubing materials at temperatures compatible with the plastics. Materials have been developed with bulk physical properties needed for transport of water and aqueous mixtures; however, the development of biofilm on the wet surfaces is a continuing serious problem in the dental, pharmaceutical, food processing, and marine transport industries. Surface modification of water lines could decrease the formation of biofilm while retaining the desired bulk properties of the tubing. Photochemistry has been proven commercially successful in enhancing the surface properties of medical devices with radical-based surface modification initiated by RF plasma or ultraviolet light. However, these energy sources are not effective for modification the inner surfaces of 'opaque' tubes such as water lines used with dental units and plastic plumbing in pharmaceutical plants. This project is designed to develop latent-reactive radical generators activatible with external source energy that penetrates these 'opaque' devices. This innovative approach to scheduled activation of radical generators is expected to facilitate the coupling to many 'inert' surfaces that cannot be activated with external light or plasma sources. Microbial colonization and biofilm formation remain a major cost and threat to human health and product quality for dental and pharmaceutical industries, health care and public lodging, and marine vessel utilization. Successful development of microbicidal and antifouling coating technology for the luminal surface of opaque transport and storage vessels for aqueous liquid ingestible products, constitute a significant market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guire, Patrick SurModics, Inc. MN Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99468 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060598 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A New Thermoplastic Hydrogel (TPH). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the synthesis and production of a new thermoplastic hydrogel (TPH). The TPH will be made by the modification of poly-2-ethyloxazoline, a commercially available polymer. The new TPH will have the properties of a crosslinked system when cold but will flow when heated. This property is unique for hydrogels, typically covalently crosslinked systems, which are limited in their use due to process restrictions. The TPH will have the ability to be extruded or molded by the end user into virtually any form, allowing the manufacture of new products that cannot be made today. The water soluble polymer is an ideal candidate due to its high thermal stability. This project will describe two routes for attaching graft polymers onto the polymer backbone. Both routes are viable from a high volume production standpoint. Applications of the TPH would include: medical products (catheters, contact lenses, and synthetic wound dressings), adhesives, recyclable super absorbents, ink jet printer media, and a variety of agricultural materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG DiBattista, James Bernard Gordon POLYMER CHEMISTRY INNOVATIONS, INC AZ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 85125 5371 AMPP 9163 1773 0106000 Materials Research 0060607 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Dependence Graphs for Internet Technologies. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project from GrammaTech aims to conduct research that will address fundamental problems facing developers of the software systems that comprise the Internet. Problems with Internet systems such as software faults, security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies can lead to a lack of confidence in the medium and hinder its further development. The tools used to construct these systems have so far mostly failed to help mitigate these problems because they were generally designed for more traditionally-constructed systems-- those that are mostly static and mostly single-threaded. In contrast, Internet systems are typically highly dynamic and often involve concurrency. A new breed of tools based on techniques that use static-semantic analysis of programs has recently emerged for static and sequential systems. The research objective of this proposal is to extend and apply these techniques to the analysis of highly-dynamic concurrent systems. The key technical challenges are to devise representations and methods that make these enhanced analyses accurate and tractable and to invent mechanisms for querying and organizing the results of the analyses. The target will be the Java programming language. The potential applications of this research include tools for program understanding, restructuring, parallelization, debugging, and testing. The results of this research have commercial application in Interactive Development Environments (IDEs) for software construction, and in tools for all other phases of the software development process. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Anderson, Paul GRAMMATECH, INC. NY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99804 5371 HPCC 9216 0510604 Analytic Tools 0522400 Information Systems 0060611 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Improved Electrodes for Capacitive Deionization. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop improved monolithic carbon electrodes for capacitive deionization. Capacitive deionization is a new technology being developed for the purification of ocean and brackish well water. A constant voltage is applied and soluble salts are collected on the surface of porous carbon electrodes, thus purifying the water for human consumption or industrial processes. Unfortunately, the current carbon aerogel electrodes are very expensive and their ion storage capacity is relatively low. The problem is that the carbon aerogel electrodes only have small pores, which prevents complete and rapid ion transport through the material. A route to monolithic carbon electrodes with a combination of large (mesopores) and small pores (micropores) that is much easier and less expensive than the carbon aerogel electrode production process has been developed. The benefit of the mesopores is that they allow the liquid to penetrate the carbon for easy access to the high surface area micropores. This greatly increases the rate of salt uptake and the useful capacity of the electrodes. In Phase I TDA will develop monolithic porous carbon electrodes with the correct pore size distribution for use in capacitive deionization. In Phase II the production will be scaled up and the carbon electrodes will be tested in commercial capacitive deionization systems. Commercial Applications: Inexpensive mesoporous carbon electrodes could be used in capacitive deionization to purify water for human consumption and for industrial processes such as boiler feed. These carbon electrodes may also be useful in electrical energy storage, such as in capacitive energy storage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dietz, Steven TDA Research, Inc CO Cynthia J. Ekstein Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060615 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Programming Environment to Enable Engineers Program Distributed Smart Sensor Networks. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of a high level graphical programming environment for Smart Sensor arrays. Ideally, application developers should be able to describe the desired behavior of their system at a high level of abstraction (e.g., 'control motor speed', 'monitor bearing', 'monitor pump'). In addition they must be provided with tools that take a system description at this high level and map it onto a specific set of hardware. The development of a 'mapping' tool is critical to the success of this, as the typical application developer (e.g., an industrial engineer or process control engineer) will not have all of the specific expertise needed to perform this manually. They will not be able to answer questions like: How many processors should I have? Which sensors should be connected to which processors? Mapping algorithms onto sensor networks involves expertise in programming and software, knowledge of the algorithms needed to analyze the, and an understanding of the distributed nature of the sensor network. The goal of this research is to develop a set of tools to allow application experts to customize the behavior of smart sensor arrays to solve their real world problems. Sensors that are being used in industry are transitioning from analog to digital interfaces. While the digital interface can be exceptionally powerful, the lack of a standard communication protocol has allowed for 60 proprietary busses to appear in this market. To remedy this, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) has created a standard for these sensors, the IEEE 1451 smart sensor standard. By defining a standard interface, the IEEE 1451 will allow easier networking of industrial sensors from a variety of manufacturers. The reasons are compelling for industry to adopt this standard, however, a high-level software interface, like the one proposed here, is critical. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sharp, Thomas SHEET DYNAMICS LTD OH Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99967 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060635 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Collaborative Field Tools for Project-Based Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to produce high-quality and creative educational activities that are based on project-based contextual inquiry. Student inquiry is an essential part of the learning process and is front and center in the American Association for the Advancement of Science Benchmarks (AAAS, 1993). The project entails the development of Palm-based applications that support inquiry-based learning activities as part of an integrated system of personal digital assistant (PDA), plug-in sensor(s), Internet-enabled desktop analysis tools, and (optionally) wireless networking. This combination will support a new generation of learning activities centered either on changes-in-space (e.g., varying temperatures across a playground or school, varying observations by different observers) or changes-in-time (e.g., changes in tree-girth between years, variations in stream pH over time, etc.). Coupling PDA-made observations with database systems in the classroom and globally will allow the construction of new student inquiry activities. A part of the data interpretation can occur immediately as students collect their observations, some can occur upon return to the classroom, and another set of tasks can center around collaborative explorations with students elsewhere. Hence the system to be developed supports both inquiry-based learning and collaborative investigations. The evaluation of this project will be based on feedback from teachers in a testbed and on feedback from potential publishers interested in participating in Phase II and beyond. Given the growth of investment in instructional technology and the concurrent growth in availability of ubiquitous computing, as illustrated by the growing popularity of PDA's, it is anticipated that the market for the integrated system will grow dramatically. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cruz, Matthew Living Text LLC MI Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99637 5371 SMET 9177 7355 7256 0522400 Information Systems 0060638 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Solution Processing of Carbon Matrix Precursors for Control of Char Microstructure and Oxidation Behavior in Carbon-Carbon Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the problem of imparting intrinsic oxidation resistance to a carbon-carbon composite when the matrix is derived from a carbonaceous precursor via pyrolysis. The overall goal of the project is to assess the feasibility of using blends of pitch and pre-ceramic polymers as matrix precursors for carbon-carbon produced with a commercial processing cycle. The research objectives are two-fold: (1) Determine the relationship between blend formulation and the resultant microstructure following processing, and (2) Compare the oxidation kinetics and room temperature mechanical behavior of composite samples produced in this manner. Matrix precursors will be formulated by solution-blending pitches with silicon-containing compounds and then subjecting the blends to a conventional carbon-carbon processing cycle. The resultant chars are expected to exhibit unique two-phase microstructures with intriguing micro- and nano-scale features, and to impart oxidation resistance without deleterious impact on mechanical properties. The first commercial application of this method is expected to be used in lieu of baked coatings in carbon-carbon aircraft brakes. If successful, the technique may become an enabling technology for the use of carbon-carbon composites in a broad range of high temperature structural applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hager, Joseph MotorCarbon Research LLC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 CVIS 1630 1057 0109000 Structural Technology 0060653 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Multiple Criteria-Based Approach to Automate Conflation in Geographical Information Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project describes an innovative approach to automating the integration of geographical data from multiple resources. This process is commonly referred to as conflation. The most important aspect of the conflation process is feature matching. Feature matching is the process of merging corresponding geographical features from various datasets. Previous attempts at automatically solving this problem have only focused on the geometrical characteristics of geographical data; yet, there are other aspects of geographical data that should be considered: topological, nonspatial, and spatial. An improved approach to automating the feature matching process that utilizes these other aspects of geographical data is presented. In the context of the growing use of geographical information systems (GIS), the need for tools to process, analyze and conflate geographical data is increasing. Such tools will find application in the Department of Defense, in the drilling and mining industry, in the agriculture industry, and by urban planners and GIS developers. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Foley, Harold Apex Systems Inc LA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99313 9150 HPCC 9139 0313000 Regional & Environmental 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060667 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Steam Reforming Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR) Phase I involving Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells offers a unique opportunity to create zero and ultra-low emission vehicles. While current nickel or noble metal catalysts used in the reformer of PEM fuel cells are effective for the steam reforming, they are very sensitive to sulfur poisoning and also deactivate by coke deposition. This research will effort will develop a new, sulfur-tolerant catalyst with low coking and low cost for gasoline steam reforming. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has identified a novel sulfur-tolerant catalyst for gasoline steam reforming to generate hydrogen for PEM fuel cells. In this program TDA will prepare and evaluate this catalyst, using an existing automated steam reforming reaction system to test our catalyst. The Phase I work will include an engineering analysis to assess the effect of the catalyst on sulfur poisoning, coke deposition and processing costs as well as the cost of producing the catalyst. The catalytic activity of TDA's catalyst will be measured in the presence and absence of H2S. A successful project will result in the production of sulfur tolerant and coking resistant catalysts for the fuel processor of PEM fuel cells. PEM fuel cells are suited for automobiles applications where quick startup is required, and are the primary candidates for use in light-duty vehicles. They will create zero and ultra-low emission vehicles. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wei, Di TDA Research, Inc CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060675 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Maximum Entropy Data De-duplication. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of high-risk, high-return research toward creating general-purpose de-duplication software. De-duplication software identifies multiple database records that refer to one entity (such as a person), thereby enabling the merger of fragmented data. ChoiceMaker markets a research-derived de-duplication system called MEDD. Many fundamental social services, including child immunization, require accurate de-duplication. New York City currently uses MEDD to de-duplicate its immunization records, thereby successfully improving children's public health. However, smaller public health organizations cannot benefit from MEDD because they cannot afford the 6 weeks of computer consulting that are required to customize MEDD for their data. ChoiceMaker's proposed research would decrease the adaptation time by an order-of-magnitude-making de-duplication affordable for most public health organizations and nearly every business with mission-critical databases. MEDD employs an important emerging information-theoretic statistical technique (called maximum entropy) to mimic the decisions made by people evaluating whether to merge similar records. Maximum entropy technology supports software that can 'understand' each individual database's idiosyncratic information semantics and structure. In the proposed research, ChoiceMaker will investigate significant, innovative extensions to maximum entropy technology that will dramatically increase MEDD's convenience and flexibility. This research has applications to enhancing the data quality of any database which might contain multiple entries for the same entity due to the lack of a reliable identifying key. Specifically, there are applications to the management of master patient indices by health care providers and lists of clients and vendors at large institutions. The system is equally useful for matching and linking records in two different databases, such as for merging mailing lists for direct marketing, linking medical records for epidemiological research, and matching buy and sell orders for securities transa SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Borthwick, Andrew ChoiceMaker Technologies, Inc. NY Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 99984 5371 HPCC 9215 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0060685 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanomaterials for Energy Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on developing an efficient and cost-effective electrochemical capacitor for use in Next-Generation Vehicles (NGV's). This new capacitor will be designed to significantly advance the state of the art in this area, and to fully meet the specifications identified for NGV applications. No current technology meets those specifications. The key innovation here is the development of new electrode materials based on recently identified composites. The Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach by preparing candidate electrode materials, fabricating laboratory-scale capacitors, and demonstrating that the prototype capacitors already meet or have the clear potential to meet the target specifications. The capacitors will be evaluated in terms of: (1) specific capacitance (farads/g); (2) specific energy (Whr/kg); (3) equivalent series resistance; (4) specific power (W/kg); (5) energy density (Whr/L); (6) leakage current; (7) cycle lifetime; (8) ease of manufacturing; and (9) cost. Successful development of this enabling technology will represent an important advance in the state of the art and will provide a key innovation for the commercial development of next-generation vehicles. Other important potential commercial applications include consumer electronics, communications, and computer technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reynolds, Thomas REYTECH CORPORATION OR Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060688 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Newton-Krylov Based Solver for Modeling Finite Rate Chemistry in Reacting Flows. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Newton-Krylov based Computational Fluid Dynamics flow solver for simulating reacting flows that must account for finite rate chemistry. Sub-models will be included for describing the finite rate chemistry with global, skeletal and reduced mechanisms. The non-linear solver strategy will use a matrix-free Newton-Krylov method and will include high quality preconditioners constructed from application specific data, adaptive forcing terms and mesh sequencing for problem initialization. The Phase I project will demonstrate proof of concept for the non-linear solver strategy. Simulations of NOx formation in a furnace will be used to evaluate the improved computational efficiency. The Phase II project will focus on creating a solver for production level use. The Phase II product will use the best techniques developed in Phase I and in addition will include capabilities for local adaptive grid refinement and parallel computing. The final product will find commercial application by engineers and scientists in the combustion, chemical process and waste incineration industries that need to perform detailed analysis of complex chemically reacting flows in a cost effective manner. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bockelie, Michael REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL UT Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060702 January 1, 2001 SBIR PHASE I: High Throughput, Ion Selective Metal Separation Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop high throughput metal ion-selective separation composites for the extraction and purification of critical metals in production, and water and metal recycling environments. The problem this research addresses is the high cost and inefficiency of existing metal separation resins. Ion exchange processes operate by passing the metal-containing solution through a bed of porous particles with functional chemistry inside the pores. Since the solution prefers to flow around the particle, the diffusion of metal ions into the pores is slow and rate limiting. This research literally turns the pore diffusion problem inside out by synthesizing composite column matrices composed of solid nonporous particles. The composite materials are assembled by formation of thinly crosslinked, functional polymers that are covalently tethered in the interstitial volumes between solid particles. The polymer networks can be visualized as an array of 'spider webs' suspended in the micron-scale interparticle volumes of the composite columns. The strands of the nano spider webs are functionalized with metal-selective chelating reagents. The research objectives are to synthesize and test transition metal-selective extraction composites. The project is expected to produce prototype high throughput columns that are manufacturable at an extremely low cost. The commercial applications of the research involve most fields of water and metal separations. The uses include extraction of toxic metals from water, water deionization and recycling, semiconductor wastewater recycling, and the mining of copper, gold, platinum, nickel, and cobalt. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Hammen, Richard ChelaTech, Inc. MT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 9150 AMPP 9163 1417 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060706 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanoscale Heterostructures via a Combinatorial Approach. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the development of a new, pulsed laser deposition based method to the combinatorial approach for generating nanoscale heterostructures. Nanoscale heterostructures, or "superlattices", have previously been shown to exhibit properties that are not expected from the known characteristics of the constituent materials. However, a systematic study of such structures has been impossible due to the lack of a high-throughput synthesis method. The proposed approach is based on a newly introduced, patented continuous-compositional spread technique and will be applicable to a wide variety of materials, including magnetic materials, piezoelectric materials, and optical materials. The direct result of this program will be the availability of an automated apparatus for the growth of a rich variety of nanoscale heterostructures. Since such an instrument is not currently available on the market, the company anticipates strong sales to university and industrial research laboratories. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Harshavardhan, Kolagani NEOCERA INC MD Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99994 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060707 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Self-Reinforced Materials for Rapid-Prototyping of High-Integrity Components. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on rapid prototyping processes involving organic materials that are among the most advanced of such techniques due to the ready processability of resins and polymers. Unfortunately, organic polymers typically do not offer mechanical performance competitive with materials such as metals or ceramics and, therefore, cannot be utilized to directly fabricate high-integrity components. The company has developed unique thermoplastic, self-reinforced polymers (SRPs) with exceptional mechanical strength and stiffness rivaling that of metals and composites. Development of suitable SRP formulations will enable fabrication of low-density, high-integrity components by rapid-prototyping techniques for a variety of relatively low-volume applications including launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, custom commercial products, etc. The focus will be on the development of SRP powders that can be processed by laser sintering techniques into such components. The research will entail preliminary optimization of resin composition (e.g., molecular weight and distribution, melt rheology, additives, etc.) and powder characteristics (e.g., particle size and distribution, bulk density, etc.) to enable effective sintering with high retention of mechanical properties. Initial test coupons will be fabricated at the University of Texas at Austin for evaluation and verification of the proposed innovation. High-performance polymeric powder materials will enable fabrication of low-density, high-integrity components by cost-effective rapid-prototyping techniques for a variety of relatively low-volume applications including launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, custom commercial products, etc. The same resin materials, albeit in pellet rather than powder form, can also be utilized to fabricate similar parts in higher volumes by more conventional extrusion or injection molding techniques. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Gagne, Robert Mississippi Polymer Technologies, Inc. MS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99937 9150 MANU 9146 5371 1468 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060708 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Lithium Salts for High Energy, High Rate Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer Batteries. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will utilize known chemistry and economical materials to create imide-based anions containing greater charge delocalization and ligands for anion solvation. The solvent levels needed for high conductivity for safe, high rate (10 degree C) operation of lithium ion cells will be determined. Acceptable densities in small cells create safety concerns in large capacity batteries, particularly at high load levels, because solvent-lithium reactivity, heat, and solvent volatility can generate explosive or pyrotechnic mixtures. Better electrolyte conductivity and stability are needed for safe high power operation. The lithium prototypical salt is not as stable or conductive as desired and is less stable than imide-based anions. Solid-polymer-based electrolytes reduce the danger of catastrophic battery failure, but they have lower power densities due to lower conductivity compared to liquid electrolytes. A new class of imide-based lithium salts containing covalently attached ligands to solvate anions and enable Li+ (lithium ion) dissociation and conductivity, using little or no molecular solvent will be developed. Large, safe, high rate, rechargeable lithium ion batteries are needed for a variety of applications, including electric vehicle propulsion, aircraft and space vehicles, and communications equipment. Improved consumer electronic products, such as portable telephones, computers, cameras, and power tools, could also be a market for this proposed technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kepley, Larry Electrophorics NM Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 99995 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060710 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Census Microdata in the Classroom. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to research ways to increase accessibility and utilization of census microdata in secondary school mathematics classrooms. Historically, microdata published by the Census Bureau as part of each decennial census has rarely been used in schools for lack of access and lack of software tools to handle it. The Internet and the availability of software tools such as KCP Technologies' Fathom tm change this situation dramatically. In collaboration with the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) project at the University of Minnesota, this project will develop streamlined interfaces with which students can use the World Wide Web to gather data from one or more Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMAs) in the country from any of the census back through 1850. Research into modifications to the Fathom software will aim to develop new and better ways to gather data from the Internet, to create enriched data structures, and to design other functionality particularly well-suited to working with microdata. New curriculum and professional development materials created in this project will provide a means for teachers to begin using census microdata in mathematics and statistics classrooms. The proposed research will lead to licensing opportunities for the software technology already embodied in Fathom software, web-based technology for gathering and analyzing microdata, curriculum products to be sold to schools, and an increased market for Fathom in education. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Finzer, William KCP Technologies CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 99227 1666 SMET 9178 9177 0101000 Curriculum Development 0108000 Software Development 0060715 January 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Enhanced High Volume Reinforced Al/SiC Metal Matrix Composites. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop metal matrix composite (MMC) and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials with tailorable properties (thermal expansion, conductivity, stiffness, ductility, etc.). An increase in properties for high volume reinforced (25-65 wt% SiC) aluminum materials using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) fluid bed coated powders and low cost consolidation techniques has been achieved. Dramatic increases in flexure strength (30%) and modulus (40%) have been achieved with Al coated SiC powder and using low cost consolidation techniques. A greater understanding of the effect of CVD coated powder and consolidation processing is required to fully understand the nano-engineered material being produced, and to develop even greater and distinctly different physical and mechanical properties. In this Phase I project, this fundamental understanding will be developed. The family of composites to be developed will be applied as cost-effective substitutes for titanium and beryllium materials for applications in electronic packaging, lightweight structures, aircraft engine and airframe components, and sporting goods. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Baker, Dean POWDERMET INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99998 1505 AMPP 9163 1771 0106000 Materials Research 0060718 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanocrystalline Diamond Coated Aligned Nanotubes as Electron Emitter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will establish the electron emission behavior of aligned nanotubes coated conformal coating of nanocrystalline diamond. Carbon nanotubes and nanocrystalline diamond has recently attracted attention due to their promising electronic and structure properties. Due to the aligned structure and electrical properties of nanotubes and the negative electron affinity of the wide band gap of diamond it is expected that diamond coated aligned nanotubes could be ideal materials for highly efficient electron sources. It is proposed to produce aligned nanotubes with varied growth density, develop and coat with conformal coating of nanocrystalline diamond, and to characterize these novel materials for electron emission behavior. These results will be compared to existing and developmental emitters. The proposed approach if successful can be applied to produce large flat panel displays economically. Flat panel displays are becoming increasingly important in today's society. With the demand for portability in such applications as laptop computers, automobiles navigation system, cellular telephones, pagers, etc., the market for flat panel displays is growing rapidly. A low cost scaleable technology of efficient emitter urgently needed. Aligned nanotubes coated with diamond can the breakthrough needed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Loutfy, Raouf Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (MER) AZ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99999 5371 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060725 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: ELEX - Innovative Low-Cost Manufacturing Technology for High Aspect Ratio Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of developing an innovative manufacturing process for prototyping and batch manufacturing high-aspect ratio microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and related microparts and microstructures. The goal is to replace an electrodeposition-based micromachining technique, requiring the use of a $10-20 million synchrotron (the so-called LIGA process) with an innovative extrusion-like process performed in an automated desktop machine selling for $250,000 or less. By supplying the MEMS industry with capital equipment for the manufacture of LIGA-type microstructures at a cost two orders of magnitude lower, this project could greatly accelerate the commercialization of MEMS and other microscale devices, and make the U.S. more competitive in this rapidly-growing global industry. If successful, the resulting technology could also significantly reduce time-to market for new products, fabricate much taller structures than are possible with LIGA, and provide better control over the uniformity of material properties. Commerical applications cover many highly-miniaturized sensors and actuators in a variety of industries, allowing reduced cost, weight, size, and power consumption. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cohen, Adam Microfabrica, Inc. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99593 5371 MANU 9146 5371 1468 1052 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060728 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Information Retrieval. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address central problems of information retrieval(IR) and the human/computer interface. QuantumFind wishes to develop a dynamic, graphically presented information space in which users can immediately visualize multiple aspects of large information sets. QuantumFind will build a pioneering new IR platform that contains the following: (1) A collaborative filtering systems based on analysis of users' search paths through data, which will allow users to benefit from other's experience; (2) Integrated Ostensive Modeling systems which will match the results of collaborative path analysis and other relevancy measures to user's current information needs; and (3) A dynamic user interface which integrates these measures, allowing users to immediately see and explore multiple 'relevance paths'. QuantumFind's product will dramatically reduce the time spent in locating, retrieving and browsing documents, and significantly increase users' recall of document contents. The need for better information search tools is widely recognized, and the potential market covers almost every industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Heyning Quantumfind CA Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 33333 5371 HPCC 9215 0510204 Data Banks & Software Design 0060761 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Pulsed High Acceleration Spray Technique for Wear and Corrosion Resistant Coatings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates the use of a new and unique hypervelocity acceleration technique to deposit powder particles for the creation of superior wear and corrosion resistant coatings. The research objective is to determine if metallic powders, at temperatures below their melting point, can be accelerated to high velocities, impact a substrate and adhere, to produce a high quality coating. The coating device that will be used is an experimental Pulsed High Acceleration Spray Technique (PHAST) Gun. The PHAST coating technique can be described as a high velocity cold spray type process that utilizes a pulsed capillary discharge. Screening experiments will be performed in Phase I to determine if various alloys can be deposited by the PHAST Gun. The PHAST process is expected to result in plastic deformation of the feed particles upon impact with the substrate, thus forming coatings characterized by good adhesion, high density, and low oxide content. Measured properties will be compared with existing thermal spray coating properties to determine the improvement attributed to the PHAST Gun. There are numerous commercial applications for dense corrosion and wear resistant coatings in the chemical process industry, industrial machinery, and aircraft industries. Some of these applications are for the replacement of hard chrome plate and others will be new applications for previously unprotected parts. PHAST coatings are expected to protect and extend the life of components such as, pump shafts, die gates, linings for process vessels, housings, nozzles, ball and roller bearing surfaces, and hydraulic cylinder shafts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Whichard, Glenn UTRON, Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99902 5371 MANU 9147 1630 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060764 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Pulsed Plasma Atomization of Rapidly Solidified Hard Magnetic Nanophase Nd-Fe-B Powders. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a new technique to economically synthesize rapidly solidified magnetic (Nd-Fe-B) powders with diameters in the 1-10 m range. In preliminary experiments using pulsed plasma jets to atomize metal melt streams, the company has produced spherical copper powders down to several hundred nanometers. These pulsed plasma jets produce momentum fluxes 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than conventional gas atomization, thus allowing production of fine powders. The objective of this project is to use a fundamentally different configuration, which is more amenable to the production of rapidly solidified hard magnetic nanophase powders. This will be accomplished by coupling the pulsed plasma jet to a pulsed wire arc metal source instead of the more conventional melt stream source. This has the anticipated advantage of eliminating material incompatibilities during processing and avoids the need for large induction melt systems. It can also provide controllable coupling to a repetitively pulsed plasma jet, allow production of refractory metal powders, and provide easier access to the atomization zone for enhancing the cooling rate of the atomized powders. The project will be carried out in cooperation with the University of Utah, which will provide expertise in processing-microstructure-property relationships in hard magnetic materials. Commercial applications of permanent magnets reach virtually every corner of technology, including automobiles, computers, medical technology, power generation equipment, aerospace, and telecommunication industries. These magnets are used in compact powerful electric motors for computer disk drives and fly-by-wire aircraft. They are also find applications as high precision actuators used to focus the laser in a compact disk player and in miniature loudspeakers of personal stereos. Automotive applications include starters, small motors, alternators, sensors, meters, and electric and hybrid vehicle propulsion systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kincaid, Russell UTRON, Inc. VA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99724 5371 AMPP 9163 1407 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060765 January 1, 2001 STTR PHASE I: Integration of Electromagnetic Actuation Using VOST Design. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of using electromagnetic force to actuate a Venturi Off-Set Technology VOST(TM) valve. Traditional valve actuator stems and packing are significant sources of harmful emissions and provide opportunities for fluid contamination. The actuator innovation to be developed in this project would eliminate stems and packing, thereby eliminating this source of emissions. The VOST(TM) axial design provides the platform to accomplish this task, but only if actuated electromagnetically. This investigation will utilize design modeling (numerical models) and actuator testing to determine torque, speed and displacement properties needed to configure an electromagnetic actuator. First the work plan will evaluate the VOST(TM) design for torque, speed and rotational displacement specifications. Information obtained will be used to rank three potential actuator configurations. The most promising configuration will be prototyped and tested for performance. In addition, commercial feasibility of this configuration will be assessed using component cost, complexity, and serviceability. It is anticipated that the selected electromagnetic configuration will meet desired operational parameters. VOST(TM) designed valves incorporating this actuation concept will eliminate sources of emissions. If successful, the research will result in an electromagnetic actuator configuration that can facilitate a hermetically sealed valve. The actuator concepts developed can be extended to any application requiring an axial rotation of 180 degrees or less. This will apply to control systems beyond valves. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Burgess, Robert Big Horn Valve, Inc. WY Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 99828 9150 MANU 9147 1632 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060769 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Thermal Spray of Nanocomposites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of an advanced technology for the direct formation and deposition of nanocomposite polymer coatings and films. The technology encompasses the use of novel thermal spray techniques that are solventless and that may also be developed for use in directly forming functionally-graded nanocomposite materials and near-net-shape thermoplastic nanocomposites. The objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of using an advanced thermal spray process to directly melt-blend and form nanocomposite coatings and films. Experimental work will be conducted to spray coat nanomaterials onto a substrate, followed by an evaluation of the sprayed material properties for suitability as an advanced nanocomposite coating material. The proposed technology addresses the global interest in nanostructured polymeric materials that have significantly improved performance properties over conventional polymeric materials. This technology has direct application in the powder coating industry, where thermoset and thermoplastic materials are sprayed for a broad range of applications, which include coatings on automobiles, appliance coatings, architectural coatings to a broad range of general metal finishing uses. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Farrar, Lawrence RESODYN CORPORATION MT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9150 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060771 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Catalyst Substrate for the High and Low Temperature Water Gas Shift Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop compact Water Gas Shift Reactors (WGSR) with rapid startup and load following through the use of a novel catalyst substrate design consisting of multiple Ultra Short Channel Length (USCL), high cell density metal monoliths in series. These USCL monoliths have very high heat and mass transfer coefficients due to the absence of fully developed boundary layers; this increases bulk mass transfer on the order of 20 fold over conventional honeycomb monolith supports. The high cell density, up to 2500 cells per square inch, results in a considerably higher Geometric Surface area (GSA) per unit volume compared to honeycomb monoliths. The improved transport properties and increased GSA translates into much smaller reactor size and weight compared to pellet bed or conventional honeycomb substrates and more efficient catalyst utilization under mass transfer controlled operation, which can lead to significant cost reductions, especially when using precious metal catalyst. The very low thermal mass of the individual USCL catalyst substrate elements combined with the high heat transfer coefficient gives improved transient response and fast startup. The proposed WGSR catalyst technology is primarily intended as part of an integrated fuel processor system to produce hydrogen for Proton exchange Membrane fuel cells in automotive applications. The proposed technology provides a very high potential benefit to cost opportunity, offering significant improvements in the WGSR component of volume, weight and potentially cost, as well as provides spin-off applications to other catalytic reactors (including other fuel processor components). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Castaldi, Marco Precision Combustion, Inc. CT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060776 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Imagery System for Automatic and Efficient Analysis of Fish Stock. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to contribute to better and more efficient management of a part of our natural resources. Current analyses of fish stocks (by National Marine Fisheries Service and several state departments of fish & game) are unnecessarily expensive, time-consuming and inaccurate. Ultimately, this contributes to compromised Government resource management policy-making. The result is the risk of over fishing and considerable economic damage. Via research and development this project will produce a prototype integrated 'plug & play' system to automate these analyses. The developed system will be marketed first to the several dozens of U. S. federal and state agencies having a need for it, and thereby will help to establish more precise measurement standards that will be accepted by the worldwide community. The subsequent result of worldwide marketing activity will benefit the fish management and research activities in more than 20 countries, and solidify the U. S. developed and promulgated standards and measurement techniques. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Vasilkov, Valeriy DataFlow/Alaska, Inc. AK Errol B. Arkilic Standard Grant 0 9150 HPCC 9215 5371 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0060786 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Electro-Mechanical Micro-Vibratory Transducers for Convective Heat Transfer Enhancement. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused on developing a method to adapt the use of a novel electro-mechanical micro-vibratory transducer to enhance convective heat transfer rates in heat exchangers while minimizing any added flow pressure drop. The transducer is composed of a very thin, light weight composite sheet that contains the combination sensors and vibratory actuators that are used to detect boundary layer flow conditions and to excite the viscous wall layer to control boundary layer transition and separation. The innovative approach uses localized sub-micron level wall vibrations to increase the wall skin friction while attenuating the overall turbulence level in the flow. This is expected to lower the flow pressure drop increase compared to traditional forms of heat transfer enhancement through turbulence enhancement. The power consumption of the transducer is also about three orders of magnitude smaller than the best competing active flow control devices and is expected to be insignificant in comparison to the heat transfer rates. The transducer can be easily integrated to plates, fins or tubes on the airside of a heat exchanger. The commercial viability is that it can improve waste heat recovery and utilization for manufacturing and processes industries involving gaseous phase drying. It can also make stationary and vehicle mounted heating ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) and power generation systems more compact and efficient. It can allow denser packaging of electronic components by facilitating heat dissipation in a smaller space. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Sinha, Sumon SINHATECH MS Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 1406 0308000 Industrial Technology 0060796 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Automating Workflow In Agriculture - Integrated Pest Monitoring System for On-Time and Online Decision Making. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will generate an Internet based system that will connect large groups of users with similar agricultural commodity interest. ISCA Tech will start with a system that will allow growers to easily collect and manage pest-monitoring data for rapid and precise decision-making. ISCA Tech proposes to integrate into this single user-friendly system many nascent and some established techniques that facilitate monitoring and rapid data management. Handheld-collected data will be incorporated into an Internet hosted database where the tools of data management and query reside. Internet access will connect users into area-wide monitoring programs that are independent of location. It will also greatly increase the speed of data processing and report generation, and democratize the access of data management tools, such as GIS, to a broad base of users. This system will allow growers to be self-sufficient in their data analyses, and to procure extension and scientific advice in the e-community. If successful, this system will catalyze the generation and spread of knowledge about pests dynamics, cultural practices and management through the different layers of agricultural systems. The proposed integrated system will create the basis for a full development of agricultural practices, such as precision farming and integrated pest management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mafra-Neto, Agenor ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9215 9102 0522400 Information Systems 0060805 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A New Pseude Amorphous High Temperature Oxide Material. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a new class of highly disordered materials that possess unique chemical, physical, and high temperature properties. The disorder appears to be stable over a range of temperatures, raising the possibility of use as high temperature ceramic materials with unique properties. Based on preliminary evaluation, it appears that the materials may be useful as coatings for many applications. The materials are synthesized using specially prepared precursor solutions that allow for intimate molecular mixing. The decomposition behavior of the precursor to form this class of inorganic materials appears to be important. The proposed work involves determination of some basic properties of the materials, processing of the material in bulk and coating forms, and modeling/simulation experiments to understand the nature and stability of the disorder. High temperature applications including ceramic matrix composites, protective coatings on metals and ceramics, and thermal insulation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Steiner, Kimberly APPLIED THIN FILMS INC IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9163 9102 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0077512 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Statistical Absorption Tomography for Turbulent Flows. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project involves the development of a commercial optical patternator, based on Statistical Absorption Tomography. The mathematical deconvolution procedure that forms the basis for optical patternation of turbulent flows was developed and evaluated during the Phase I research. Local absorptances, resolved to less than 1/10th of the integral length scale were obtained in a turbulent spray, using the deconvolution algorithm, in conjunction with an optical patternator, suited for constant temperature, axisymmetric flows. During the Phase II, three research issues that affect the commercialization of the optical patternator will be addressed. The three issues that will be addressed during the Phase II research are: (1) obtaining local transmittances in turbulent flows with temperature gradients, (2) obtaining spatially resolved mass flux in turbulent sprays, and (3) obtaining patternation factors for turbulent flows issuing from non-axisymmetric nozzles. Two broad areas of commercial applications for the optical patternator are for obtaining pattern factors in commercial nozzles and for monitoring smoke stack emissions. The immediate market for the patternator is as an on-line quality control instrument for spray nozzle manufacturers. The estimated annual market size is approximately 150 million dollars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sivathanu, Yudaya EN'URGA INC IN Jean C. Bonney Standard Grant 395322 5373 HPCC 9139 1260 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0078234 July 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Enhanced 3-D Seismic Imaging of Subsalt Gas and Oil Reservoirs Using Primary and Converted Waves. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from 3DGeo Development Incorporated will develop a software package which utilizes primary and converted-wave energy to accurately and efficiently image gas and oil reservoirs, and to determine rock properties for reservoir evaluation and management. In the recently completed Phase I project, 3DGeo demonstrated the feasibility of imaging with converted waves by analyzing the nature and occurrence of converted waves in synthetic seismic data. Full wavefield modeling and ray tracing in realistic models was used to simulate both towed-cable and ocean-bottom-cable marine data. Both acquisition geometries show important converted-wave events that will be used in Phase II to accurately image reservoirs and estimate rock properties. In addition to the mode converted energy, this project will incorporate two other significant propagation phenomena that commonly occur in geological settings which give rise to converted waves, namely: (1) multiply reflected events [multiples], and (2) transmitted and reflected energy propagating along multiple paths in the subsurface [multi-valued traveltimes]. These two phenomena, coupled with the mode conversions, which are the main focus of this research effort, comprise the greatest challenge to seismic prospecting for oil and gas. This Phase II project develops a comprehensive and synergistic subsalt imaging solution that exploits the full potential of the seismic wavefield for reservoir imaging and rock property estimation in complex areas. Commercial potential of the proposed technology is directly applicable to subsalt oil and gas exploration in complex areas such as the Gulf of Mexico. US companies will spend $50 billion drilling deep subsalt prospects over the next 5 years, and this project could have a direct and significant impact by developing an accurate and economical reservoir monitoring and imaging technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bevc, Dimitri 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 500000 5373 OTHR EGCH 9186 1580 0510704 Geophysical Monitoring 0078347 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: New Oxide Coatings for Protection of Alloys in a High-Temperature Oxidizing Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project's objective is to provide oxide coatings that resist deterioration in a high-temperature oxidizing environment. A new, innovative process is will be developed that should form strongly-adherent, high-temperature, oxidation resistant coatings on steel alloys, iron and nickel superalloys, aluminides, and superalloy matrix composites. Using this process in Phase I, Alger Stirling Company (ASC) alpha-Al2O3 as well as ASC alpha-Al2O3/Ti2O3 protective coatings, whose coating-to-substrate bond strength was measured to be in excess of 10,000 psi, were formed on six different aluminum-containing and aluminum-and-titanium-containing alloy substrates. Phase II testing (1) will optimize oxide thickness to provide maximum oxide/substrate bond strength, and (2) perform lifetime testing of the oxidized specimens in a high-temperature oxidizing environment. These coatings have broad application in industry throughout the nation. Products that utilize the ASC coatings can achieve longer lifetimes because of the surface protection provided by the coatings. Such longer lifetime translate directly to user dollar savings that are, first of all, a benefit to the entire nation and, second, make the products more competitive in foreign markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Alger, Donald Alger Stirling Company OH T. James Rudd Standard Grant 380669 5373 MANU 9146 1444 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078350 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Low-Frequency Sonochemistry -- A Cutting Edge Industrial Processing Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Phase II project will demonstrate use of the novel low-frequence sonic technology for application as an advanced fermentation process. This project objective will establish a fundamental understanding of the low-frequency sonic technology capabilities to increase the productivity and yield of various aerobic fermentation processes, e.g., bacteria, yeast and mycelial. The Phase II program includes the development, design and demonstration of a prototype processing system as an efficient and cost-effective method for advanced fermentation applications. The Phase I objectives were fully achieved and feasibility of the innovative technology was demonstrated to provide extraordinarily high rates of gas mass transport into liquids, at low energy values and at low shear rates. The quality and amount of scientific and engineering data exceeded expectations, providing a solid base for a Phase II success. Post-Phase II experimentation was undertaken, which demonstrated a specific commercial applications that have market-pull for use of the innovative fermentation methods. Several potential Phase III commercial fermentation applications have been identified. A commercial partner for Phase II co-funding and Phase III funding has been obtained. The commercial partner has also agreed to purchase equipment from Montec for their newly acquired fermentation business. Commercial applications for fermentation processes include large quantity drug production for enhancement of both human and animal health, amino acids such as lysine for animal feeds and phenylalanine for production of aspartame, food preservatives such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamins and a plethora of other commodity compounds. In general, the production of an increasing number of biologically active compounds is shifting from traditional organic synthesis to fermentation. In these areas, the development of a lower cost, higher productivity technology has strong commercial appeal both in new and retrofit situations. Fermentation is the commercial end of the genetic engineering revolution and is virtually used in all of the cutting edge therapeutics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG van Walsem, Johan RESODYN CORPORATION MT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 434000 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9153 9150 1359 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078367 June 1, 2000 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Cavity Ringdown Evanescent Wave Fiber Optic Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project plans to develop a new fiber based chemical sensor technology that can be used to make rapid trace chemical analysis of gaseous and liquid environments without the need for time consuming sample extraction and preparation. This new miniature sensing technology will combine aspects of fiber optics, enhanced absorption analysis techniques, and ultimately wireless internet communications. This technology will provide commercial and government users a chemical monitoring system which can be inexpensively networked over wide areas. Such a network of sensors can be monitored in real time from any secured computer via the Internet, providing real time information relating to chemical processing and transport, as well as for the monitoring of leaks and hazardous accidents. Such a system could be used as a warning network for large plant facilities and neighborhoods. This technology is being developed for commercial application in several areas in collaboration with an established fiber sensor supplier for trace detection of chemicals around storage facilities and industrial facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG O'Keefe, Anthony LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399352 5373 EGCH 9187 1974 0313040 Water Pollution 0078371 July 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Tricontinuous Diamond /Carbide/Metal Composite (TCCC) Cutting Tools for High Rate, High Precision Machining of Nonferrous Material, Composites, and Ceramics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II project will conduct research to develop a new class of cutting tools for high rate/high precision machining of Al-Si alloys, composites, and ceramics. Advanced cutting tools will improve machining economics in the automotive, aerospace and related industries. The new cutters will be made from a patent pending Tricontinuous Diamond/Carbide/Metal Composite (TDCC) material formed using high pressure/high temperature sintering technology. The potential of this TDCC technology was demonstrated in Phase I, wherein proof-of-principle TDCC cutters outperformed conventional PCD cutters and showed up to two times longer tool life in Al-Si alloy machining tests. In Phase II development of the TDCC sintering process will be carried out, with emphasis on demonstrating TDCC tool performance improvement, cost reduction, and quality control applicable for mass production. In addition development and performance demonstration of prototype cutting tools that use TDCC inserts are planned. The primary objective of Phase II research will be to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of making machining tools using TDCC material. Collaboration with a leading automotive parts manufacturer, that will provide facilities and equipment for testing of the TDCC tools, has been arranged. This will help insure that the successful completion of the Phase II effort will lead to Phase III commercialization in the area of high rate / high precision tool manufacturing for automotive and other markets. Use of low wear high impact resistance TDCC tools will significantly impact the automotive and aerospace parts manufacturing industry allowing high transfer line speeds, lower operation count, and better surface finish which in turn will lead to improved production efficiency and lower product cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Voronov, Oleg DIAMOND MATERIALS INC NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 400000 5373 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078383 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Redox Polymer Catalysts for Electrochemical Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide. 0078383 Gopal This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will investigate the use of redox catalyst electrodes for the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide through electrochemical regeneration of the redox catalyst. In the Phase I research, catalysts were developed and their short-term stability for peroxide synthesis was successfully demonstrated. Flow cell operation with 10 cm2 electrode cells showed the preparation of hydrogen peroxide in acidic condition (1N H2SO4) at 60% current efficiency and up to 2% in peroxide concentration. However, Phase I work indicated poor catalytic current with oxygen for these redox systems, as well as an upper limit for hydrogen peroxide concentration (2%). Phase II research effort will be directed towards improving the catalytic effect of these redox catalysts through changes in preparative procedures, electrode structure, and fabrication technique. The electrodes will be tested and optimized for peroxide synthesis using oxygen/air and almost pure water (pH adjusted, if necessary) using flow cell experiments. The electrodes will be tested for long-tem stability (500 hours). Larger electrodes (100cm2 ) will be fabricated using the best composite electrode for long-term stability testing and process optimization. Commercialization of the process will be carried out with a Phase III partner upon the successful completion of Phase II work. Potential Commercial Application of the Research Hydrogen peroxide is a clean oxidant, which reacts to form water as its reaction product. It is therefore environmentally acceptable in many industries. The market for hydrogen peroxide is expected to grow by almost 10% for the next few years. New technology (synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from water and air) described in this Phase II proposal could be implemented for various applications. These areas include wastewater treatment, on-site generation (for industrial and consumer application such laundry bleach etc.), as well as commercial peroxide production. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gopal, Ram The Electrosynthesis Company, Inc. NY Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 357904 5373 MANU 9146 9102 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078385 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Hard Boron Coatings through Vacuum Arc Deposition. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to demonstrate the operation of a commercially viable boron deposition source based on vacuum arc technology. The source is for the deposition of boron-based, self-lubricious coatings of hardness comparable to diamond, which are also compatible with high-temperature applications. A special sintering method, developed in the Phase I, produced boron cathodes that survive the severe vacuum arc environment, when properly supported and heated. This patentable Phase I technology will be applied in the Phase II to demonstrate the production of the desired films. The emphasis will be in ultra-hard forms of nearly-pure boron, although some compounds are also of interest. Water cooling of the anode and surrounding structures will be used to avoid damage in continuous operation of the source. Well established wall conditioning techniques will be used to reduce contamination of the films from the inner surfaces of the vacuum chamber. Partnering with both a major coatings company and with a major manufacturer of heavy machinery, that require low-friction, hard-coatings for components, will enhance this Phase II project with valuable in-kind support, as well as a clear path to the Phase III commercialization. Boron coatings have excellent hardness, tribological (low friction) and corrosion resistance properties. Their high temperature and combustion environment compatibility would make them ideal for advanced automotive applications. For example, such coatings could potentially eliminate the need for added lubricants in high temperature, low heat loss diesel engines, leading to substantial reduction in particulate emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Klepper, C. Christopher HY-TECH RESEARCH CORP VA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 399996 5373 MANU 9146 1444 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078403 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Nanolaminate Structural Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project deals with the fabrication of ultra high strength Polymer/Metal Multi-layers (PML) nanolaminates. In Phase I, Sigma Technologies has demonstrated that the Aluminum/Polymer nanolaminates have distinctive advantages over Aluminum, (a) a superior tensile strength (over 3 fold in some cases), (b) and a lower density. Furthermore, Sigma has developed, based on experimental results, a numerical model to predict the tensile strength of multilayer composites. The attractive features of the PML composites have generated a significant interest in this product by a major aerospace and avionics OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer. Additional functionality of this composite includes ultra-high gas and vapor barrier, high electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, preferential heat conductivity that is useful for low observable applications, and structural self-monitoring characteristics. In Phase II, Sigma will further optimize the properties of the PML composites and upgrade equipment that is already in place to produce 7ft x 4ft PML panels. Parts will be tested independently by Sigma and its industrial and university partners. Market research has shown that several applications may be served by the multifunctional structural PML composites. Sigma will follow a systematic plan to identify niche markets and supply samples for evaluation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Yializis, Angelo SIGMA TECHNOLOGIES INTL., INC. AZ T. James Rudd Standard Grant 399996 5373 CVIS 1057 0106000 Materials Research 0078419 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Planar Magnetic Levitation Technology for Precision Microelectronics Manufacturing Equipment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a planar magnetic levitator/positioner for precision microelectronics manufacturing equipment. Based on feasibility proven in Phase I, Phase II will design, construct, and test a minimum-actuator maglev stage that can be readily integrated in a process tool. A single-moving maglev platen will be driven in all six degrees of freedom with three levitation motors. The platen will generate large two-dimensional motions for transportation with small four-axis motions for alignment and small adjustments. It will lead to a clean-room compatible, lightweight, compact, inexpensive structure that can meet demanding dynamic performance requirements in next-generation precision microelectronics manufacturing. Magnetic levitation has many potential applications in microelectronics manufacturing equipment that require precise planar position control, such as wafer steppers, wafer handlers, wire bonders, surface profilometers, scanned probe microscopes, and precision inspection machines. This technology is expected to figure prominently in the highly competitive microelectronics manufacturing capital equipment industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lovelace, Edward SATCON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 341175 5373 MANU 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0078444 December 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Whole Wafer Thermal Imaging for Real-Time Process Monitoring and Control. 0078444 Latvakoski This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a real-time, whole wafer sensor for process monitoring and fault detection in advanced semiconductor and thin film fabrication processes. The production of future semiconductor and optoelectronic devices will depend critically on continued advances in process sensing and control. In present-day manufacturing, process yield and productivity are limited by the high sensitivity of layer properties to process conditions, and by an inability to control process conditions adequately throughout the process sequence. Current technology relies primarily on open-loop control using indirect sensor signals; a costly practice resulting in significant scrap and equipment downtime for preventative maintenance. To address this problem through improved closed loop control, this project will develop a high performance imaging radiometer with advanced thermographic and wafer mapping algorithms. Phase II includes hardware, software, and applications development that addresses important components of the sensor technology for monitoring blanket and patterned substrates. The sensor will provide near video-rate, spatially resolved whole wafer measurements of temperature and film properties from a model-based analysis of thermal radiance images. In-house testing on a rapid thermal processing tool and field testing on a MOCVD reactor will be performed. Potential commercial applications are anticipated in optimization and control of many advanced semiconductor fabrication processes such as rapid thermal processing (RTP), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Improved whole wafer sensors have potential for significant increase in the number of process steps performed by RTP and thus increase the RTP as a generic process method. The commercial benefits of an in-situ wafer state sensor include reduced scrap, reduced equipment preventative maintenance, improved process efficiency, and improved device uniformity and performance. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cosgrove, Joseph Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. CT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399991 5373 MANU 9147 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0078454 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Blind Fastener Inflation for Structural Joining of Aluminum. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project continues the development of a hyper-pressure fluid pulse system for installation of blind structural fasteners. Riveting is the preferred method of assembling load-bearing aluminum airframe structures. Upset riveting requires the application of high load to both ends of the rivet using impact or hydraulic pistons. A structural fastener that could be installed from one side of the structure - blind fastening - would simplify aircraft assembly and repair. Existing blind fasteners are expensive, time-consuming and do not match the corrosion and fatigue performance of upset rivets. Phase I of this project demonstrated that a compact, hyper-pressure pulse generator can inflate aluminum alloy rivets with an interference fit and strength approaching conventionally upset rivets. Blind fastening was demonstrated in unsupported aluminum panels. Phase I analysis showed that rivet inflation can be accomplished with a much smaller tool. The Phase II effort will involve the development of a lightweight, hand-held tool with an enhanced trigger mechanism that will provide the pulse control required for reliable fastener installation. The work will continue the development of techniques for inflating rivets with aluminum pins to form a solid, all-aluminum fastener. The objective in Phase II is to meet the performance specifications for a fluid-tight aerospace structural rivet. Airframe assembly represents a major portion of the cost of military and commercial aircraft. The process to be developed will halve the cost of manual airframe fabrication and can be used in an automated flexible-manufacturing environment. There are a variety of other potential applications of hyper-pressure pulse technology including: fastening composite/titanium airframes; automotive aluminum sheet bonding; pulsed-jet peening for stress-relief and forming of aluminum sheet; and research into the behavior of materials under dynamic loading at extreme pressures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kolle, Jack TEMPRESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC WA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 349922 5373 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078459 December 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Reliable, Low Cost Support System for Flywheel Energy Storage. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will result in the development of a prototype flywheel energy storage system (FESS) utilizing the innovative passive, non-contacting bearing developed in the Phase I project. This new type of passive magnetic support and damping (PMSD) system consists of integrated stiffness and damping elements in a configuration that overcomes the most significant problems of previous systems. The new bearing technology will result in a more efficient, more reliable, and less expensive FESS than is currently available. The resulting FESS will facilitate the use of alternative energy systems in remote and/or hostile environments. Phase II efforts will focus on 2 objectives: (1) The refinement and experimental validation of design equations predictive of PMSD performance; and (2) The development, installation, and testing of PMSD systems in a prototype FESS. The FESS system for the prototype will be a commercial unit provided by the commercialization partner, and modified to accommodate the new technology. The partner currently manufactures FESS for commercial power quality and uninterruptible power supplies applications. Follow-on funding commitments and other agreements have been secured from the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation and from the commercialization partner to pursue additional technical work and for Phase III commercialization. In addition to providing storage for alternative energy systems, there are numerous commercial applications for FESS incorporating the PMSD technology including utility load leveling and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The commercialization partner expects that the combination of technical and cost advantages demonstrated in Phase I would enable rapid market acceptance and encourage application of FESS in new markets. The PMSD technology is also applicable to turbo-molecular pumps (TMPs). These are used in the manufacture of silicon chips and in scientific instrumentation requiring high vacuums. Predicted market penetration into these areas is in excess of 18,000 units per year by 2005 and in excess of 30,000 units per year by 2009. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Imlach, Joseph Imlach Consulting Engineering AK Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 483061 5373 EGCH 9197 9150 0311000 Polar Programs-Related 0078467 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: A Computerized Test Battery to Evaluate Workplace Stresses. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from RSK Assessments, Inc. will expand and improve upon the test battery implemented for Phase I, including cross validation, examination of other behavioral scoring approaches (signal detection theory, Bayesian methods), other agents (viz., sleep loss) as well as the interplay of these methods on special purpose hardware and new software. Phase I examined the feasibility of conducting human performance-based fitness-for-duty (FFD) testing as an alternative to chemically-based testing. The testing method was brief and inexpensive, and the tests were stable and reliable. Using a multiple cut-off analysis varying proportion of tests passed, they yielded 98+% specificity (minimal false positives) with 80% sensitivity for high dosages of alcohol (and 60% for low). The new battery tightens security, running within self-contained kiosks and providing data encryption and access via smart card usage. Improved managerial control will be implemented within the test system, including test control and scheduling, data analysis methods, and reporting. Additional means of quantifying behavioral decrements will be obtained from sleep deprivation research, analyses of past alcohol research, and an "alpha" test site. Data from these sources will yield a better assessment model and refine calculations for tradeoff between test length, specificity, and sensitivity. RSK Assessments proffers a tool for testing human performance that could facilitate higher productivity in industrial plants, a means of testing employees while in the field, and reduction in worker on-the-job injuries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kennedy, Robert RSK Assessments Incorporated FL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 379144 5373 EGCH 9197 1180 0000912 Computer Science 0108000 Software Development 0078468 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Positron Beam Source. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop and demonstrate a laboratory prototype of the Advanced Positron Beam Source (APBS) that will provide a high quality pulsed positron beam suitable for a range of analytical instruments for materials science. The project extends the latest developments in techniques to accumulate positrons from a radioactive source in Penning traps. The technical objectives of the Phase I project were fully achieved. The technical objectives of Phase II are: (1) to develop a compact, low-cost, two-stage positron trap; (2) to develop an advanced cryogenic positron moderator system; (3) to develop a high- performance positron buncher; (4) to refine the Phase I approach for extracting positrons from the magnetic field of the trap; and (5) to assemble and demonstrate the APBS system. If successful, this project will provide the basis for commercialization of the APBS in Phase III. A major obstacle to the commercial exploitation of positron-based surface analytical techniques has been the lack of a suitable slow positron beam source. The APBS will fill this need by providing a compact, low-cost, user-friendly positron beam source that can function ultimately as a turnkey system in an industrial environment. The APBS will have advanced performance characteristics that are not available from any other system. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Greaves, Rod First Point Scientific, Inc. CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 588491 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078469 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Environmentally Compatible Recycling Method for Cadmium Telluride Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an electrochemical method specific to recycling photovoltaic modules, which contain extremely low quantities of hazardous metals in large bulk-streams. It uses an innovative closed-loop approach to remove, separate, and regenerate semiconductor films in a single compact system, and do it with minimum waste. Phase I identified key process parameters, focusing on efficient removal and recovery of semiconductors from devices. Retrieval of sulfur-free cadmium telluride demonstrated method feasibility. Phase II will design a practical system to recycle the entire module for in-plant or centralized applications. It will identify the optimum parameters to delaminate modules, dissolve semiconductors, regenerate useful semiconductor precursor films, and re-utilize the electrolyte. The research will lead to a viable prototype recycling capability featuring low cost, high efficiency, low cycle-time, and production line amenability. Converting defective panels into efficient modules will lead to rapid turn-around and high production yields. Potential commercial applications are expected in the photovoltaic industry with a solution to managing hazardous waste disposal and improvement in module production yield. It has short-term applications for recycling other end-of-life products such as flat panel displays, infrared detectors, and mirror scrap. Benefits are anticipated in increased productivity, large savings in disposal costs, recovery of scarce raw materials, and enhanced commercial success of the emerging cadmium telluride photovoltaic industry, which has grown 50-fold in production capacity within two years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Menezes, Shalini InterPhases Solar, Inc. CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 400000 5373 MANU 9153 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078470 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Chemically Resistant Gas Separation Perfluoromembranes. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project will optimize and scale up the system developed in Phase I (a nonporous perfluoromembrane system for harsh gas separations). These nonporous perfluoromembrane systems provide industry for the first time with a system (membrane module, glue lines, potting, valves, etc.) that has good gas transport rates and separation capabilities composed totally of perfluorocomponents. In Phase I, laboratory testing and economic evaluations showed these membranes could economically remove hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and key non-condensable gases from chlor-alkali tail gases and in so doing dramatically enhance the recovery of chlorine. Analysis comparing the Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) technology to alternative membrane and other unit operations (e.g. absorption) technologies, indicated the CMS technology is significantly superior. Large sheet nonporous perfluoromembrane fabrication has been demonstrated in Phase I. All the key components are in place for large scale module fabrication in Phase II. In Phase II we will optimize and scale up the system. Detailed and representative (-20oC) end use testing and long term testing will be conducted in the laboratory prior to field testing. While the focus of this program is chlor-alkali harsh chemical separations, other harsh chemical processes (e.g. fluorochemical synthesis) will be considered. Our close working relationship with a number of large membrane manufacturers and end users allows us to rapidly and effectively drive this program. Phase I testing was done using both single gas testing and mixed gas testing. Materials evaluated include chlorine, Cl2CF2, SF6, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium. Results showed mixed gas results were equal or superior to single gas results. This suggests that minimal plasticization or other anomalies are occurring within the system. This would suggest we can project actual end use performance accurately. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bowser, John COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 686048 5373 MANU AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9146 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078471 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: A Novel Integrated Bioleaching Process for Chalcopyrite: An Alternative to Smelting. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is developing a novel electrobiochemical leaching (EBL) approach to recover copper from chalcopyrite, providing an alternative to smelting. Chalcopyrite is the most common copper ore, yet it is difficult to process hydrometallurgically because it passivates due to formation of refractory surface layers. The EBL approach in Phase 1 was shown to prevent this passivation and to result in faster and more complete copper extraction than conventional bioleaching approaches. The Phase II research objectives are to: 1) demonstrate the versatility of the process by determining the extent of copper extraction from different sources of chalcopyrite ore; 2) determine the optimum bioreactor configurations for the EBL approach; and 3) make a large laboratory scale (50 to 100 kg) demonstration of the process for determining preliminary process economics. The research will measure the extent of copper extraction and extraction kinetics by EBL, including the determination of metallurgical balances. The results of the Phase II research will provide the data required to establish preliminary economic feasibility of the process and to convince investors or operators (mining company) to support a pilot scale demonstration. If successful, the EBL approach will provide a new technology in mineral extractions that will open additional reserves of copper in the US and elsewhere and reduce smelting of copper. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Olson, Gregory LITTLE BEAR LABORATORIES INC CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 322708 5373 EGCH 9197 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 0078473 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Engineered Lumber from Sawmill Residue. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will enable conversion of low value residual edgings from sawmill operations into a structural quality engineered wood composite called Structural Strand Lumber (SSL). Edgings are created at sawmills when round logs are sawn into rectangular pieces of lumber. The SSL concept is to cut these edgings into strands, align them directionally, and then glue and compress them into a high value product. Edging material currently is used for low value wood chips for use in paper production. The SSL process will enable sawmills to convert up to 14% more of forest raw materials into structural quality lumber compared to conventional practices. SSL manufacturing will yield a high value added wood product, dramatically reduce waste, reduce demand on natural resources, and increase sawmill operating efficiency. These benefits will reduce dramatically the environmental impacts of sawmill operations. Phase I research provided a fundamental understanding of key processes, and clearly demonstrated the feasibility of the SSL concept. Phase II will demonstrate the operation of critical SSL components, and enable a manufacturing facility prototype demonstration early in the Commercialization Phase. If the research is successful, dramatic increases in the fraction of a log that can be used for quality structural materials will result. The cost of the engineered material will be competitive with solid high-grade structural material. The method is applicable to virtually all sawmills operating in the United States and around the world. More efficient utilization of existing wood supply will be enabled by this innovation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schmidt, Ernest WYOMING SAWMILLS INC WY T. James Rudd Standard Grant 749999 5373 MANU 9163 9153 9150 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078474 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Fabrication of Low-Cost Modules Incorporating Microporous Silica Membranes for Natural Gas Purification. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project addresses development of economical membrane-based devices primarily suitable for: (a) purification of sub-quality raw natural gas to pipeline quality and (b) carbon dioxide recovery from enhanced oil recovery operations. A large fraction of domestic natural gas reserves are uneconomical for recovery based on current market conditions because they contain significant amounts of non-methane gas. Membrane-based devices are currently commercially employed to purify sub-quality natural gas, but membranes with improved productivity compared to now state-of-the-art devices are required to allow economic use of currently unrecoverable natural gas. The overall objective of this program is to develop an innovative fabrication approach to incorporate microporous silica membranes within low-cost, highly compact modules. Microporous silica membranes exhibit combinations of carbon dioxide permeance and CO2/CH4 selectivity that are unrivaled by conventional organic gas separation membranes, but have not yet been incorporated in low-cost modules to allow their commercialization. Commercial availability of such modules would greatly reduce costs associated with upgrading sub-quality natural gas reserves. In Phase I, the feasibility of the novel module fabrication approach was demonstrated. In Phase II, the separation properties of very small modules will be improved through systematic optimization of processing. Modules with ca. 0.1 m2 membrane area will be fabricated and tested for extended duration for separation of simulated raw natural gas, and a detailed manufacturing scheme with related costs will be developed in preparation for commercialization of the technology. The devices to be developed in this program would significantly reduce costs associated with purification of gas streams in the following applications: natural gas upgrading, carbon dioxide recovery from enhanced oil recovery operations, and biogas processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Higgins, Richard CeraMem Corporation MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 400000 5373 AMPP 9165 1414 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078486 June 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Improvement of Spatial Resolution in Scanning Microwave Microscopy. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase II project focuses on the improvement of spatial resolution in microwave microscopy, reducing in particular the measurement sampling area over which sheet resistance and dielectric permittivity at 1 GHz - 20 GHz can be determined with numerical accuracy. A particular focus will be on proprietary semiconductor applications and on the imaging of dielectric properties. Modifications of the existing prototype as required for this goal will lead to additional applications in fields of economic and academic importance, including the non-contact measurement of the electric field dependence and the frequency dependence of the dielectric permittivity at microwave frequencies. Work at Neocera will include instrument modifications, test sample preparation, and a thorough analysis of the probe-sample interactions. Numerical simulations, semiconductor sample preparation, and comparison to an instrument based on a different feedback mechanism will be per-formed through a subcontract with the University of Maryland. The result of this Phase II SBIR will be an instrument developed for a particular (proprietary) semiconductor application, leading to a multi-million dollar market. In addition, the technology will be available for various research applications, with universities being potential customers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schwartz, Andrew NEOCERA INC MD Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 396537 5373 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0078525 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Computer-Assisted Document Interpretation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the outdated methods by which companies use material and process specifications. Specifications are a fact of life for any organization involved in complex manufacturing (e.g., aerospace, automotive, materials). Specifications are comprehensive and voluminous documents, covering hundreds of different key characteristics. The constant reading, checking, and analyzing of specifications is extremely labor-intensive, quality-impacting, and time-consuming. During Phase I research, the feasibility of the concept was successfully determined, and a conceptual design solution for tools was created which provides computer-assistance in the interpretation of specification requirements. The conceptual solution is based on the theories of Information Extraction and the analysis of specification content within the context of a meta-specification created as a result of prior NSF-sponsored research. This meta-specification provides an ontology for capturing the semantic knowledge contained in the text of specifications. The Phase II objectives are to build a working prototype of the solution as the foundation for potential full-scale commercialization. The tools created as a result of this prototype will be used to convert existing text-based specifications into the computer-sensible ontology. The Phase II solution is not attempting to totally automate the interpretation process. Instead, the focus is on innovative approaches for providing computer assistance in the semantic analysis of a limited domain of documents. The organizations which have their processing, inspecting, and testing controlled by specifications are extremely interested in using tools that access specifications in an intelligent, computerized format. These organizations include the United States Government as well as suppliers and prime contractors in American industry. This effort could 'jump-start' an entire industry related to providing tools for the computer-assisted analysis of specification requirements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sokol, Dan COHESIA CORPORATION OH Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9139 0000912 Computer Science 0078527 January 1, 2001 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Development of Stable Membrane-Based Gas-Liquid Contactors for SO2 Removal from Flue Gas. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will demonstrate the enhanced performance of membrane-based gas-liquid contactors to abate SO2 emissions from flue gas. SO2 present in flue gas streams leads to deforestation and damage to crops and property as a result of its participation in the formation of acid rain. In Phase I, Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) developed a nonporous perfluorocopolymer composite membrane designed for use in membrane-based gas liquid contactors to scrub flue gas of SO2 using an aqueous absorbent solution. This membrane is designed to overcome the major drawbacks of conventional microporous supports, i.e. progressive wetting out of the microporous substrate by the (typically) aqueous absorbent and in some instances salt precipitation at the liquid-gas interface. In addition to all the operational advantages of membrane contactors, CMS membranes result in sustained improved SO2 removal efficiencies. During Phase I it was demonstrated that this membrane permeated SO2, scrubbed a flue gas simulant gas stream of SO2 as well as if not better than a conventional microporous membrane contactor under identical conditions, and showed no loss in performance despite exposure to an acidified silica suspension. Phase II will scale-up the process to employ large pilot-scale contactors, study absorbent regeneration technologies, demonstrate the whole process on a pilot-scale combustor, and demonstrate that the CMS system offers better efficiencies and economics of flue gas removal compared to existing systems. The enhanced performance of membrane-based gas-liquid contactors to abate SO2 emissions from flue gas is of considerable interest to ore processors, pulp and paper industries, many oil and natural gas processors (particularly those which have to treat tail gases from gas sweetening processes), power plants employing coal as a fossil fuel, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Majumdar, Sudipto COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE George B. Vermont Standard Grant 403656 5373 EGCH 9251 9197 9178 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 0078536 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Aligned Carbon Nanotubes for Use as Atomic Force Microscope Tips. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to establishing the first-ever, large-scale production capability needed to manufacture carbon nanotube tips for scanning probe tools. To achieve this, the investigator must combine several fabrications technologies in a unique way. The investigator must also solve challenging problems related to the design, structural form and attachment of the tips themselves that will enable them, as the manufacturer, to guarantee that the products sold meets customers' performance specifications. It is believed, for example, that one of their proprietary technologies will enable them to produce carbon nanotube tips that meet the important requirement for adequate stiffness in lateral bending. The core technology being commercialized stems from a new approach for growing a single, aligned carbon nanotube directly on a cantilever, originally identified by the PI. This approach is suitable for fabricating both the carbon nanotube tip and the cantilever in one continuous process, ideal for large-scale manufacturing. Xidex will develop, manufacture and sell carbon nanotube tips for use with critical dimension atomic force microscopes (CD-AFMs), scanning capacitance microscopes (SCMs), regular atomic force microscopes (AFMs) and scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs) SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir XIDEX CORPORATION TX Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 369369 5373 HPCC 9139 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0078548 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Antigen-Mediated Selection of Hybridomas. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to develop a rapid, sensitive and highly specific method for monoclonal antibody production and hybridoma cell line development by combining single cell gel microdrop (GMD) encapsulation technology, a novel protein capture format, and fluorescence activated cell sorting. Using insulin as a model antigen, Phase I studies demonstrated that individual cells, which comprised a 1% sub-population of a heterogeneous population, could be rapidly isolated based on both secretion level and antigen specificity of the secreted antibody. Phase II research will optimize the assay format by permitting simultaneous analysis of other antibody properties, including antibody isotype and blocking properties. Using newly fused hybridomas, Phase II research will isolate and enrich productive clones and compare results with conventional methods which require use of time consuming and labor intensive limiting dilution cloning. Monoclonal antibodies are widely used as research, therapeutic, diagnostic, and imaging reagents, and are increasingly used in the emerging field of proteomics for discovering new drug targets and locating disease specific markers. The GMD method will reduce production time and costs, improve antibody quality and yield, and permit isolation of rare cells. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Akselband, Yevgenya ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 510714 5373 BIOT 9251 9231 9183 9178 9102 1136 0201000 Agriculture 0078551 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Material for Efficient Laser Diode-Pumped Laser and Upconversion Phosphor Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will focus on improving solution growth of Nd and Yb,Pr-doped NaYF4 single crystals. Two alternate techniques are proposed: top seeded solution growth and traveling solvent zone. Phase I results indicate that spectroscopically Nd:NYF is superior to YAG and YLF and as good or better than YVO4 as a laser diode-pumped laser; and that Yb,Pr:NaYF4 is a 1.3 micron emitter with favorable properties for use in telecommunications. In a parallel effort to crystal growth, laser evaluation of NYF will continue through laser tests and by measurements of NYF's thermo-optic properties. In Phase I a very efficient single phase green emitter Yb,Er :NYF phosphor was demonstrated. A second thrust of this Phase II effort will then be to develop synthesis processes of granular doped NYF materials for their use in 2-D and 3-D displays. Combinations of Yb,RE-doped NYF will be prepared to extend the range of colors to red and blue. Nd:NYF is seen as a superior material to YLF and YAG for compact diode pumped lasers and an economical alternative to Nd:YVO4 currently used. Yb, Pr: NYF can be used as amplifiers for telecommunications in the important 1.3 micron wavelength range. NYF phosphors, dispersed in plastic hosts can be used in 2 and 3-D transparent displays for head mounted applications such as air traffic control, medicine, autos and aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cassanho, Arlete AC MATERIALS, INC. FL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 398330 5373 AMPP 9163 9102 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0078556 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Investigation of Ferroelectric Materials with Properties Optimized for Electron Emission. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project was motivated by recent research demonstrating that ferroelectric cathodes using commercial ferroelectric materials that were optimized for transducer applications can produce current densities in excess of 30 Amperes per square centimeter at 500,000 Volts, and can sustain an emission pulse (at 50,000 Volts) for a time in excess of 2 microseconds. Under the Phase I project ferroelectric materials optimized for use as cathodes were fabricated and tested, and promising materials were identified for further testing and optimization. The objective of the Phase II project will be to demonstrate a ferroelectric material with emission characteristics and lifetime meeting industry-defined requirements for application as a cathode in a commercial electron tube. Phase II research will include cathode testing at 20,000 volts, 1 microsecond with hundreds of pulses per second, characterization of the electron beam produced by the ferroelectric cathode according to size, energy and emittance, and validation testing of the cathode at an electron tube manufacturer's facility under commercial operating conditions. It is anticipated that these tests will demonstrate the efficacy of the ferroelectric cathode materials developed under this project for use in commercial electron tubes. Cathodes are used in a wide variety of microwave tubes. Applications include radar, communications, radio and TV transmission, accelerators for medical, waste treatment, environmental and research applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Len, Lek FM TECHNOLOGIES INC VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399880 5373 AMPP 9163 1774 0106000 Materials Research 0078563 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Advanced DSP Toolkit For Java. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will contribute mathematical services in signal and image processing for distributed Java computing. A major component of internetworked information is digital images and audio signals. Current vector, signal, and image processing standards are evaluated to achieve advanced signal processing for Java. Phase I emphasized the design, algorithms, and Java relevance. VSIP (vector signal and image processing) constitutes a viable option for commercialization in the distributed Java environment. This Phase II effort seeks to bridge the gap between the theoretical and the commercial for VSIP in Java, while identifying operational modes and service requirements for this non-traditional programming environment. If successful, a huge community of Java programmers in academia, industry, and government could be enabled, as well as all the service recipients whose applications exploit such as library. Standardization for platform independence is a critical issue for Internet applications. An advanced commercially DSP toolkit would provide for a greater level of portability for signal-processing-intensive Internet applications. This would provide for better support for processing audio/visual information in valuable application settings. Embedded Java applications will make use of the toolkit to provide advanced signal analysis capabilities with mobility, portability, and high quality. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Watkins, Andrew MPI Software Technology, Inc. AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 376481 9150 5373 OTHR HPCC 9216 9215 9150 0000912 Computer Science 0078580 September 15, 2000 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Gas-Cluster Ion Source for Mass Spectrometer and Microelectronic Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will design, fabricate and test a prototype gas-cluster ion-beam (GCIB) sputtering tool for depth profiles with monolayer-specific surface analysis of thin films. Applications will be to multilayer thin films of key importance in the microelectronics industries including semiconductors, metals in magnetic sensors, and dielectrics in photonic and micro-optical devices. The sputtering tool is expected to meet aggressive performance specifications including depth resolution of less than 1 nm in conjunction with mass spectrometry. This GCIB tool will be designed particularly for in-situ sputtering with surface-analytical instruments including the secondary-ion mass spectrometer (SIMS), the Auger electron spectrometer (AES) and the x-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The overriding motivation is the critical need in microelectronics for techniques to obtain accurate sputter depth measurements. The Phase-I effort demonstrated those GCIB methods with argon clusters sputter with near-atomic smoothness, high depth resolution and high secondary-ion yields. Minor instrumental design issues limited the cluster beam exposure uniformity and this artificially limited the average depth resolution measured. Straightforward engineering solutions are well known and are expected to yield improvements in Phase II that will provide depth resolution of well below 1 nm. The proposed technology will enable analysis of next-generation microelectronics devices having much thinner films. Epion is the first and only to manufacture GCIB systems. The tool to be prototyped will enable and have a wide applicability to many areas of the electronic materials processing and manufacturing industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fenner, David EPION CORPORATION MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 398416 5373 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0078582 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Design-Based Developments for Pump Cavitation Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to provide the means to reliably calculate turbopump stiffness and damping matrices based on dynamic force measurements collected using a magnetic bearing rig. During Phase I exploratory development of a high suction specific speed (NSS) = 65,000 rocket engine turbopump pump stage was carried out and laid the foundation for this project. A complementary Phase I project for NASA focused on an NSS = 85,000 stage. Earlier Air Force funding concentrated on demonstrating magnetic bearings as a useful lab instrument. More recent breakthroughs include a novel fix for auto-oscillation and establishing the structure of an innovative dynamic force matrix measurement methodology. The primary challenge in this work is to isolate those forces on the rotor (with and without cavitation) due to the interaction of the impeller with the stator using innovative test and signal processing techniques. By testing a series of impellers, a database of rotordynamic coefficients will be established based on component dynamic force data. An additional objective is to evaluate the capability of CFD for replicating those physical force measurements. The goal is to create scientifically based design methods for lighter high-performance turbopumps. Smaller, lighter, and higher speed rocket engine turbopumps are required to meet lower space launch cost requirements. Successful accomplishment of this fundamentally based approach for measuring component specific rotor dynamic forces and a method for using experimental results on a broader basis in the design process can lead to a breakthrough technology. It will enable turbopump designers to overcome current thresholds due to hydraulic induced rotor dynamic instabilities. In addition to reducing equipment size and cost, reliability will improve. The technology is also applicable to industrial turbomachinery including industrial pumps, aircraft engine fuel pumps, and compressors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Baun, Daniel CONCEPTS ETI, INC. VT Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 399883 5373 MANU 9148 1464 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078583 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: 3D Volumetric Image Display. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is to develop a new computer peripheral: a Volumetric Image Display system that displays 3D images in a real space. Many viewers can walk around the display and see the 3D images from omni-directions without special glasses. The overall business objectives corresponding to this project are to develop and implement the technologies required for building the VID product, to demonstrate the market viability, and to complete the financial preparation for Phase III. In order to speed up commercialization, a Basic Model product will be completed in year 1. It will feature a flexible configuration and good specifications to address the initial need in various fields. Marketing will then begin in year 2 to test market and seek business alliances, using the Basic Model as a demonstration platform as well as an evaluation product. A low-volume manufacturing procedure will be established to support initial sales. In year 2, techniques that further improve product color and gray scale will be developed and demonstrated. We already have a Phase III funding commitment. Based on the demonstrated market viability and technical readiness, a new business plan will be prepared to raise additional funding commitments to complete the finance preparation for Phase III. The marketing goals also include obtaining at least one development contract from a major corporation, as part of the Phase III finance. Market analysis indicates great commercial potential in four major segments: medical, computer aided design and engineering, visual data analysis, and computer gaming. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tsao, Che-Chih ACT Research Corporation MA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 423999 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 6855 0104000 Information Systems 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078585 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: IBEX - Restoring Functional Mobility in the Elderly Through In-Bed Exercise. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project completes development of a production In-Bed Exerciser (IBEX) and tests its efficacy. This unique, active exerciser is a portable and efficient means of giving, in bed, physical therapy sufficient to maintain or restore the walking muscles of bedridden people. Geriatrics are especially vulnerable to bed confinement; they can lose ability to walk after 5-10 days. Becoming bedridden is a leading indicator of mortality for the elderly. A growing elderly population, a shortage of Physical Therapists, their inability to provide force levels and intensity of exercise needed, and pressure to constrain medical costs, demand such a machine. The Company has innovated a portable exerciser that attaches to the bed, is computer controlled, provides bilateral, reciprocal or one-leg exercise and records performance. Phase I demonstrated feasibility. The objective of this SBIR Phase II project is to use scientifically designed clinical trials to prove efficacy. Results are the prelude to successful commercialization according to the enclosed plan. The greatest social benefit will be improved quality of life for the elderly. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Greenwald, Richard SYNERGY INNOVATIONS INC NH George B. Vermont Standard Grant 399659 5373 BIOT 9184 5342 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0078608 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Simulation of Rapid Thermal Processing in a Distributed Computing Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will continue to develop and demonstrate a computational tool for detailed simulation of Rapid thermal processing (RTP) in a distributed computing environment by taking advantages of the findings in Phase I. RTP has become a key technology in the fabrication of advanced semiconductor devices. As wafers get larger and chip dimensions smaller, the understanding of the highly coupled physics such as radiative heat transfer, transient fluid flow and heat transfer as well as chemical reactions through numerical modeling using high-performance computing is the key to the design, optimization, and control of RTP reactors. In Phase II, A 3D surface radiation model based on the modified discrete transfer method (MDTM) will be developed to treat radiative transfer in the lamphouse and process chamber as a whole process. The detailed pattern effects will be taken into account by rigorously solving time-domain Maxwell's equations through a finite volume approach. The rarefied gas dynamics in low pressure RTP will be modeled by adding Burnett terms into the Navier-Stokes equations. The governing equations that contain various multi-disciplinary physical models will be solved by a 3D unstructured finite volume method. To address computationally intensive 3D simulation needs, an efficient parallel strategy will be implemented in the solution procedure. Data communication among parallel processors will be conducted by the Message Passing Interface (MPI) library. To accelerate the overall solution convergence and improve the parallel performance, the algebraic multi-grid (AMG) method will be used to solve the discretized equations in each processor. It is expected that the proposed simulation tool can be used to systematically investigate the underlying physics occurring in RTP systems, and to help in the design, optimization, and control of RTP reactors. The proposed simulation tool will significantly benefit the semiconductor manufacturing equipment industries that require a detailed understanding of multimode and highly coupled transport phenomena. The potential applications include the design, optimization, and control of RTP reactors and many other manufacturing and materials processing systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Liu, Jiwen ENGINEERING SCIENCES, INC. AL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 399576 5373 MANU 9150 9146 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0078617 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Microminiature, High Resolution, Passive Peak Strain Detector for Smart Structures and Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project combines hermetically packaged, differential variable reluctance transducers (DVRT) capable of peak strain detection (PD) with shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to produce improved passive PDs. These detectors can withstand harsh environmental conditions, e.g., moisture, salt, vibration, and can be reset for repeated uses. Sensors in smart structures generally require system power in order to operate, but power outages may result in loss of key data. Therefore, sensors that can record peak information without power, i.e., passively, are needed in smart structures. Earlier passive PDs have relied on measuring the magnetic properties of transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steels. However, these devices suffer from bulky size, low resolution, high nonlinearity, and a one time use limitation due to material yielding. This technology addresses these problems by using modified, microminiature DVRT-PDs. Phase I successfully designed, built, and tested hermetic packages, and SMAs were successfully employed for resetting of the devices. Techniques for remote interrogation using radio frequency identity tags were investigated, micropower prototypes were designed and built, and methods for wireless delivery of power to the SMA actuator were demonstrated. In Phase II, highly integrated microelectronics will be combined with the hermetic DVRT-PD packages to produce self-contained, remotely queried and remotely resettable PDs. Novel micropower sensor excitation circuits, capable of long range interrogation, will be built, tested, and packaged for independent laboratory evaluation and eventual field deployment. Field tests will include health monitoring of structural joints, repairs, and supporting members of civil structures, including bridges. The physical attachment of the DVRT-PDs to these structures will be designed for reliability, low cost, and ease of use. Applications include health monitoring of composite structures, aircraft, trains, bridges, dams, and buildings. Military and commercial markets for these systems are significant. Health monitoring has the potential to enhance the safety and life of military, aerospace, and civil structures. Sensate structures equipped with passive networks of peak displacement or strain measurement devices could be interrogated for their response to test loads or potentially damaging events, and either replaced or their embedded sensors reset for future interrogation. Critical civil and military structures require 'smart' sensors in order to report their strain histories; this can help to insure safe operation after exposure to potentially damaging loads, e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, military combat, etc. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Arms, Steven MICROSTRAIN INC VT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 486491 5373 OTHR MANU CVIS 9146 1059 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078622 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: An Economical Continuous Metal Coating Method for Electronic and Other Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will conduct research to develop a new approach to coating metals continuously and rapidly on large areas of moving substrates. Currently, these types of coatings are electrochemically plated resulting in higher operating costs due to environmental regulations in the U.S. This has added to the declining share of the world market for the U.S. electronic metal-coating industry. Consequently, the Phase I results on the technique have generated interest in the commercial sector and a prototype demonstration is needed for the identified customers. The proposed method is suitable for coating conductive as well as nonconductive substrates, and rigid as well as flexible substrates. In this Phase II project, a prototype will be developed for continuously coating nonconductive substrates used in electronic applications. Then metal coatings will be deposited at a rate better than that of the conventional methods. Further research will be conducted to meet customer's expectations of the coating quality and process economics. In addition, process repeatability will be assured by running the equipment for the identified customers. Finally, the coating price will be determined and a cost benefit analysis will be performed. The proposed method has the potential to reduce operating costs in the intended coating operations substantially. Copper, nickel and other metal coatings are widely plated on nonconductive substrates in several electronic and automotive applications. Typical application include EMI/RFI shielding in cellular phones, conductor lines in printed wiring boards used in computers and flat panel displays, and decorative trims in automobiles. The method to be developed could provide a lower-cost alternative to the conventional methods in use today and make the US. coating industry more competitive in the international market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sunthankar, Mandar IonEdge Corporation CO T. James Rudd Standard Grant 400000 5373 MANU 9163 9153 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078635 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: CO-Tolerant Pt-Mo Electrocatalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project addresses the development of highly dispersed Pt-Mo electrocatalysts for application as anodes in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Alternative anode electrocatalysts remain a critical development area for the cost reduction and performance enhancement of PEM fuel cells operating on reformate hydrogen fuel. Specifically, there is a need for catalysts that are tolerant to reformate by-products such as CO. Supported Pt-Mo is a leading candidate for the next generation of these catalysts. The Phase I research successfully produced highly dispersed Pt-Mo catalysts supported on Vulcan XC-72 using two distinct methods. The catalysts produced by both methods show excellent hydrogen oxidation characteristics in 0.5 M H2SO4. The performance of these materials in 100 ppm CO/H2 indicated high activity but did not, however, show the degree of CO-tolerance expected on the basis of results from bulk Pt-Mo alloys. These findings were surprising in light of voltammetric evidence that showed electrochemical interaction between Mo and Pt. Phase II of this effort will develop a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of Pt-Mo interactions. The results from the Phase I research at T/J suggest that the promotion of enhanced H2 oxidation at lower potentials in CO/H2 fuel streams is critically dependent upon the nature of the Pt-Mo interaction. We intend to examine the influence of surface composition/coverage of Mo on solid Pt electrode surfaces in the presence of CO/H2 fuel streams as a function of potential using a rotating disk electrode (RDE) system. These fundamental studies of solid electrode surfaces will identify the basis of CO-tolerance. Based on these results, we will pursue rational development of supported Pt-Mo catalysts with the appropriate surface chemistry and structure using three novel dispersion methods. As a part of this work, we will conduct in-depth physicochemical characterization of the catalysts as well as more comprehensive electrochemical analysis. We intend to produce prototype membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for testing in fuel cells. In addition, we will supply catalyst materials for external evaluation by leading catalyst manufacturers. These companies have committed over $840,000 in follow-on funding for this SBIR project. Low cost CO-tolerant catalysts developed under this SBIR project will enable the commercialization of high performance PEM fuel cells operating on reformed hydrogen. Reducing catalyst costs addresses a key obstacle hindering the commercialization of PEMFCs for vehicle propulsion and off-grid electric power generation. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lei, Hanwei T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 400000 5373 EGCH 9197 1972 1417 0207000 Transportation 0078637 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Development of AlGaN Field Emission Cathodes. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on optimization and scale-up of an aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) field emitter technology that could be used for practical applications. Materials have been identified that are very promising to deal with the wide-band-gap for field-emission applications. These materials have low to negative electron affinity. The Phase I project demonstrated various AlGaN compositions that possessed different doping levels for field emission properties. The Phase II project will carry out a detailed and systematic parametric optimization using closely-coupled theoretical modeling and experimentation to produce rugged, low-voltage III-V nitride field emitters. The project will utilize the company's deposition chamber and will demonstrate the effects of composition, doping, ion implantation, substrate temperature and other parameters. Effects of microstructure and conductivity of grain boundaries will also be investigated to develop better understanding of the AlGaN cold cathode technology. The commerical potential for this technology is a compact addressable X-ray source. Additional applications will include electronic coolers, electron guns, solar-blind UV detectors, large-area lighting and flat-panel displays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kumar, Nalin UHV TECHNOLOGY, INC. TX Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399995 5373 AMPP 9163 1775 0106000 Materials Research 0078660 August 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Affordable Braille Display Using Novel Microactuators. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project from Orbital Research Inc. will design and test an affordable, multiline refreshable Braille display system (RBDS) able to display computer screen information either from the hard drive or the Internet. The proposed RBDS will combine state-of-the-art microelectromechanical (MEMS) actuators with cutting edge electronic assembly technology to assure ease in manufacturing and robustness. Additionally, Orbital Research will implement a modular architecture that allows for unprecedented versatility through tailoring the Braille surface for various applications requested by the end users. Traditionally, MEMS actuators are very small, cost efficient and low power. However, traditional packaging of the MEMS devices results in a much larger and much more expensive component. In Phase I of this project, Orbital Research as produced a MEMS actuator capable of producing Braille dots. In this phase, Orbital Research will integrate a flexible assembly process to overcome the traditional complexities associated with packaging MEMS actuators. Orbital Research will take full advantage of the features offered by cutting edge manufacturing processes such as MEMS, IC processing, flip-chip and surface mount technologies to assure the final proposed RBDS is light weight and small in size, cost affordable, robust, modula, enables tactile acuity, and is "user friendly." The refreshable Braille Display system proffered by Orbital Research will enhance access to electronic information on the job or at home. It will also provide for enhanced educational and employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals in line with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This device will create employment and research opportunities for the visually impaired, especially for those whose interests extend to mathematics, scientific, and technical fields that require frequent access to reference works in order to perform their tasks efficiently. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lisy, Frederick ORBITAL RESEARCH INC OH Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 762000 5373 SMET 9251 9180 9178 9102 1138 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0078664 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Micro Pulse Lidar for Water Vapor Profiling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the need for a new generation of laser transmitters for differential absorption lidar (DIAL) measurements of water vapor. Phase II will develop a new laser technology for mini-DIAL measurements of water vapor. DIAL transmitter requirements will be achieved using a revolutionary technology that allows diffraction limited performance from diode bars. These ultra bright diode bars enable efficient end pumped, q-switched, low-gain, quasi-three level lasers. Recently, a laser material that operates directly at the 944.1 nanometer water vapor absorption line has become commercially available. Coupling these two technologies will result in an efficient compact DIAL transmitter. This technology will result in a new class of compact, efficient, and low-cost DIAL transmitters for atmospheric water vapor profiling. Low cost DIAL transmitters are important for future improvements in weather forecasting, global climate models, and understanding of the transmission of communication signals in the atmosphere. In addition, potential commercial applications will be found in the medical and material processing industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Shannon, Dave ACULIGHT CORPORATION WA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 749881 5373 EGCH 9188 0313010 Air Pollution 0078670 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Diagnostics for Operations and Maintenance of Installed Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will focus on enhancing maintenance operations scheduling methodologies with condition assessment and diagnostic tools to produce an 'integrated' maintenance management system. The company has developed scheduling tools that allocate maintenance resources on the basis of elapsed calendar time and unit utilization. This project will augment these tools with condition assessment modules. If successful, the result would be a generally applicable system combining condition, time, and utilization as drivers for the maintenance process. The project will develop algorithms for condition assessment based on signal processing and feature extraction using both conventional sensors such as accelerometers, and 'next generation' sensors such as eddy current devices, fiber optic sensors, and MEMS sensors. These methods, when applied a maintenance service program, will lead to new methodologies for the synthesis of integrated diagnostics techniques and for the design of new hardware and software systems to realize those techniques for a wide range of practical applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Teolis, Carole Techno-Sciences, Inc. MD Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 773404 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 9102 1359 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078672 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Three Dimensional Video Motion Detection for Science and Mathematics Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will complete the research and development to product of a low-cost tool for exploratory science and math learning, a three-dimensional motion detector. This device uses a passive optical detection scheme with two ordinary home video cameras as sensors. For at least 15 years, systems that capture and display motion in real-time have been used for studying the meaning of graphs and to investigate physical phenomena, and their educational effectiveness has been researched and documented. To date, all low-cost systems have been constrained to one dimension, and generally use ultrasonic echo location. This project will make 3D-motion detection affordable and competitive with one-dimensional systems when used with schools' existing video equipment. It offers great learning potential by allowing students to build a bridge from their universal 3D-world experience into mathematical space. The Phase II project proceeds along three fronts: refinement of the signal processing hardware, coding of the 'host' software for capture, display, and analysis of the 3D data, and the development and testing of educational activities. The software and activities are targeted for high school mathematics and physics. This small business proffers a hands-on exploratory system to allow students multiple views and ways of understanding the complex study of motion. Several of the largest national distributors of educational electronic laboratory equipment have demonstrated interest in selling and promoting the motion detector. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kimball, Nathan Alberti's Window, LLC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 399937 5373 SMET 9177 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0078706 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Bootstrap Tilting Inference and Large Data Sets. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project is for development of fast bootstrap confidence intervals and hypothesis tests, and ways to make bootstrapping feasible for large data sets. Classical inference (intervals and tests) methods are known to be inaccurate when theoretical assumptions are violated, the usual case in practice. For example, skewness causes the usual t-test to be in error. The new methods are an order of magnitude (power of sqrt(n), where n is the sample size) more accurate in general than classical inferences. Bootstrap methods are a promising alternative to classical inferences, and can handle complex statistics including modern robust statistics, but are slow and have been little used in practice. The methods proposed are typically 17--37 times faster than other bootstrap methods. The methods are fast enough to be seamlessly incorporated into standard software, alongside or instead of classical inferences. This provides statistical practitioners a realistic alternative to easy but inaccurate classical inferences and non-robust methods. The competitive advantage to the firm that does this first is a major opportunity. Furthermore, the large sample methods would be attractive in the thriving data mining market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hesterberg, Tim Insightful Corporation WA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 487103 5373 HPCC 9231 9216 9178 1359 1260 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078716 December 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Clinical-Scale Suspension Bioreactor for Primary Hematopoietic Culture. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project describes the development of a disposable, highly efficient suspension bioreactor for primary hematopoietic (blood cell-forming) cell culture. The unique challenges (heterogeneous nature, donor variability, and shear-sensitivity) of these cultures render traditional flask or suspension cultures unable to economically and consistently produce large quantities of cells. In Phase I, the feasibility and characteristics of a disposable suspension bioreactor was demonstrated. In Phase II, a scaled-up prototype of a large, agitated disposable bioreactor designed for clinical use (stem cell transplantation) will be constructed, characterized, and tested for reliability and durability. Gas and mass transfer correlations established in Phase I will be verified and extended. The use of medium optical density as a surrogate measure for cell density will be investigated. The final product will be a system that combines the simple, disposable nature of flask culture with the control and monitoring capabilities of a suspension bioreactor. The resulting system will enable the cost-effective production of large numbers of primary hematopoietic cells and will improve the effectiveness and decrease the cost of medical procedures in the fields of transplantation, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McAdams, Todd Tissue Therapeutics IL George B. Vermont Standard Grant 400000 5373 BIOT 9181 1491 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078718 July 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Rapid Detection of Cyanide. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project will result in the development of two detection systems utilizing Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) capable of rapidly measuring the concentration of cyanide, a highly toxic substance used in large quantities in the extractive metals industry. A portable system will be well suited for use in the field for on-site measurements of cyanide for environmental compliance monitoring. An automated system will be useful for the measurement of cyanide levels in process control of precious metal extractive processes, and in monitoring wells for environmental compliance. Current methods of cyanide analysis give either the total amount of cyanide present in all forms, or that of free cyanide in combination with cyanide in weak acid dissociable (WAD) metal complexes. Our method of cyanide determination will be markedly superior to these methods because it will yield the concentration of free cyanide in addition to that of WAD cyanide. This has very important practical and economic implications for the precious metals extractive industries (e.g., gold and silver mining), since it is free cyanide which is of importance in optimizing metal extraction efficiency, and it is free cyanide which is the species of primary interest from an environmental regulatory standpoint. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Carron, Keith DeltaNu, LLC WY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 400000 5373 EGCH 9187 9150 1974 0313040 Water Pollution 0078722 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Thresholdless Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project's goal is a commercial quality liquid crystal exhibiting V-shaped switching with no hysteresis. This LC will be used in gray-scale displays and telecommunications optical switches. Ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs), due to their fast switching speed and wide viewing angle, have inherent advantages over the more commonly used nematic liquid crystals. However, when used in displays, they have a disadvantage - they generally can be driven to only two states, on and off. Since displays require intermediate gray states, FLCs currently attain gray scale by rapidly switching on and off. This project uses a new type of FLC which, in addition to its speed and viewing angle advantage, also shows analog switching. This type of material, previously known as a "thresholdless antiferroelectric", is now known to be an FLC with a linear optical response to applied field (also known as "V-shaped switching"). This project's objective is to make new liquid crystal compounds and mixtures that exhibit V-shaped switching. Towards that end, a variety of cores, chiral tails, and achiral tails, all of which are either known or suspected to promote a de Vries-type smectic A, have been proposed. About 50 - 100 liquid crystals will be synthesized by combining these various components. These new LCs will be combined with LCs made in the Phase I or earlier, giving mixtures that ideally will have not only a de Vries smectic A phase, but also a wide room-temperature smectic C phase, good low-voltage analog electrooptic response, good alignability, and fast hysteresis-free switching. An optimal alignment layer configuration will be determined. The newly formulated mixtures will be placed in cells containing this alignment layer to give V-shaped switching displays. This project could be instrumental in advancing our knowledge of the root causes of V-shaped switching in FLC and, by extension, add insight into the responses of self-assembling molecules to applied forces. In addition, since the interaction of the alignment layer with the liquid crystal is crucial for V-shaped switching, much more so than for typical FLCs, this project will provide a better understanding of the alignment layer-LC interactions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Thurmes, William Displaytech Incorporated CO Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 328372 5373 AMPP 9163 1762 0106000 Materials Research 0078726 May 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Microsensors for Detection of Aqueous and Gas Phase Volatile Organic Compounds. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves development of an integrated sensor system that will accurately and rapidly measure small quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) both in air and in aqueous environments. At present, no inexpensive sensor system is sufficiently sensitive and rugged for use in continuously monitoring of VOCs in underground water streams, soil, effluent discharge, fugitive emissions and in spent liquid and vapor streams. To capture this business opportunity, this project involves the development of low-cost continuous organic chemical sensors based on the change of fluorescence of dyes embedded in polymeric and sol-gel thin films. This program is innovative in combining sensitive diode laser-excited fluorescence with total internal reflection methods of analysis to provide a continuous monitor of VOCs. The Phase I research program was successful in demonstrating the feasibility developing several highly sensitive polymer/dye films for use in detection of aqueous and gaseous phase VOCs. Detection limits in the part-per-billion (ppb) range for both aqueous and vapor phase trichloroethylene were achieved using fluorescence detection spectroscopy. The Phase II research and development program will accomplish the feasibility demonstrated in Phase I by developing a turnkey sensor system for multiple chemical analysis. The Phase II Research Objectives include synthesis of polymer and sol-gel solid matrices with pendant functional groups, development of a fluorescence monitoring array and algorithms for multi-chemical analysis, design and integration of miniaturized total internal reflection fluorescence array instrument, acquisition of families of test data to establish instrument specifications, and demonstration of the total-internal reflection fluorescence instrument at environmental remediation facilities and a water treatment plant. This sensor platform together with sensitive polymer/dye films is significant in providing rapid on-site identification and quantification of volatile organic compounds and environmental pollutants in groundwater, soil, effluent discharge and fugitive emissions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Aquino, Eugene American Research Corporation of Virginia VA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 412000 5373 MANU EGCH 9251 9187 9178 9146 1472 0300000 Problem-Oriented 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078730 August 15, 2000 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Sol-Gel Processed Thin-Film Nitrogen Oxides Sensors. 0078730 Aruchamy This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop thin-film nitrogen oxide sensors based on novel binary-phased nanocomposites by sol-gel processing. Sol-gel processing offers many advantages for sensor fabrication, including facility and versatility for nano-engineering of the microstructure. In Phase I, such sensor elements have shown much improved microstructure, enhanced sensitivity, and faster response speed than powder-derived sensor elements of the same composition by conventional processing. Thin-film sensors can be readily incorporated with silicon microelectronic technology and conveniently allow miniaturization, low process costs, and high reproducibility. Phase II will systematically optimize the processing, microstructure, and performance of the binary-phased thin-film nitrogen oxides sensors by sol-gel processing. Potential commercial applications of the research are expected in reliable, compact solid-state chemical sensors. This innovation is expected to provide highly stable and sensitive thin-film nitrogen oxides sensors for automotive emission control, industrial processing control, and environmental monitoring. These sensors may be used as stand-alone sensing devices or as sensing units to be integrated into on-chip multifunctional sensors and smart structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Aruchamy, Ayyasamy AMSEN TECHNOLOGIES LLC AZ Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 400000 5373 EGCH 9187 1472 0300000 Problem-Oriented 0078754 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Catalyst Substrate for the Preferential Oxidation (PROX) of Carbon Monoxide. 0078754 Precision Combustion, Inc. Menacherry This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project advances the development of an improved catalytic reactor, based on a novel catalyst substrate design, for the preferential oxidation (PROX) of carbon monoxide in a hydrogen rich feed. The Phase I objectives were fully met and demonstrated the viability of this catalyst substrate for substantial reductions in the size, weight and cost of the PROX component and also identified parameters for designing a full scale PROX reactor. This Phase II effort will focus on catalyst optimization and integration of a PROX reactor based on the catalyst substrate in a fuel processor system for automotive fuel cell applications. This potential breakthrough could significantly advance fuel processing technology for automotive fuel cell applications. The proposed technology has the potential to provide near-order of magnitude improvements in fuel processor volume, weight and cost, with a broad range of potential spin off applications to other catalytic reactors. Success with the PROX reactor would lead to exploring use of this substrate for other components in the fuel processor, including the reformer and the Water Gas Shift reactors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Castaldi, Marco Precision Combustion, Inc. CT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 756000 5373 EGCH 9251 9197 9178 1972 1417 0207000 Transportation 0078774 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Digital Cadaver - An Immersive Environment for the Direct Reconstruction of Anatomical Data Sets. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will continue research and development of the Digital Cadaver Environment -- software that makes available to students multiple views of virtual cadavers with improved visual quality of the computed image, an increase in the size and attributes of the data sets used for rendering images, support for automatic configuration of imaging parameter using heuristics, and support for interpolation of missing sections of a user stain document. Marking a unique approach to the application of computer technology to the undergraduate anatomy and physiology curriculum, this environment supports an interactive work model where students engage in the cycle of observation, interpretation, and action that characterizes the historic "dissect & sketch" paradigm. The Digital Cadaver environment allows students to produce an individual and unique record of their investigations. The Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of implementing the core functionality of the environment as a Java application and produced a beta version of the software. Phase II of the research will focus on research extending this development in four areas: 1) Tools for collaboration between students will be created, and an intuitive project management system implemented for managing collections of images and documents; 2) Imagery from Visible Productions will be introduced into the environment to overcome defects in the Visible Human (VH) data sets; these images may also serve as links to other content, such as animations, photographs, or other images and documents that serve to augment the current environment; 3) tools will be expanded to include volume rendering of images in all viewing planes (i.e., sagittal, coronal, and axial) and arbitrary slicing of any image set; the data sets available to the student will be expanded to include selected cryosections of the female VH data set and selected MRI (magnetic resonance imagery) and CT (computerized tomography) imagery from the male and female; and 4) on the server, a more sophisticated illumination model will be implemented for added realism, user selectable image display properties will be included (i.e., setting some tissue layers to transparent), and higher resolution images will be used; improved support for higher resolution images will complete the Digital Cadaver Immersive Environment. The Digital Cadaver Environment enables a wider range of people to gain greater competencies in human anatomy and physiology. These competencies may translate into better health care, wellness initiatives, and improved research outcomes. The use of the National Library of Medicine's Visible Human Project in the creation of new instructional tools for the health professions offers a good public policy model of government/industry collaboration. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McCracken, Thomas VISIBLE PRODUCTIONS INC CO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 399713 5373 SMET 9178 9145 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0078865 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Carbon Nano Composite Filtration Media. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will make self-assembled, nanocomposite building blocks, composed of carbon nanotubes on a macroscopic support. Phase I demonstrated the growth of high quality, long nanotubes, adhered to a metal mesh. The support catalyzes the growth of a dispersed uniform structure of sootfree nanotubes. Additional processing is not required. Traditional manufacturing processes can convert the composite into filters, electrodes, and structures that transport mass, charge, and stress on nanometer scales. The nanotubes remain organized and connected electrically and mechanically. Intimate solid-gas and solid-liquid contact accompanied by high transport rates result. Unlike porous nanoscale media, the pore size can be independent of the nanotube diameter, allowing rapid access to their surface. The Phase II product will be microfiltration media with unprecedented filtration efficiency and low energy cost. Carbon nanotubes have enhanced single-collector efficiencies and substantially high surface to volume ratios. These advantages produce enormous, pound-for-pound value. The industrial partner has committed Phase III funding based on initial testing and market pull for low-energy, cost-effective separation technology. The industrial partner is committed to nanoscale technologies and the tremendous physical properties of the supported nanocomposites. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jaffe, Stephen Material Methods CA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 400000 5373 AMPP 9163 1762 0106000 Materials Research 0078887 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Enhanced Phase Sensitive Spectroscopy Using Matched Gratings. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a trace-gas detection system based on a novel laser spectroscopic technique called Phase Sensitive Spectroscopy. This new spectroscopy technique may increase sensitivity by an order of magnitude compared to existing capabilities, and it is expected have lower capital and operating costs as well. The proposed technique relies on measurements of phase shifts of an amplitude modulated laser beam that occur when the laser is tune through a molecular resonance. Unlike current technologies, the measured quantity is insensitive to variations in the amplitude of the frequency components within the modulated laser beam. This fundamental difference promises to eliminate the need for calibrations that are currently required. Phase II will develop the fundamental understanding and lay the groundwork for commercialization. A prototype instrument will be fabricated by utilizing the 'backbone' of an existing commercially successful laser based trace-gas detector. The detection limit, stability, and cost of the prototype instrument will be characterized. Potential commercial applications are expected in monitoring gases in aluminum production and in other industries as environmental regulation and work place safety may require. Point source monitoring SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Swanson, Rand ADVR, INC MT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 399387 5373 OTHR EGCH 9188 9150 9145 0313010 Air Pollution 0078897 January 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Uncopying Xerox - Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcavitation (ACIM) Assisted DeInking of Paper. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an optimized prototype of the UNCOPIER-a chemical-free, energy-efficient, ACIM-based device designed to non-destructively deink laser-xerographic prints one sheet at a time. Acoustic Coaxing Induced Microcavitation (ACIM) is a novel, chemical-free, and energy-efficient process which uses only "Silent Sound and Clean Water." Underlying ACIM's energy efficiency is microcavitation's ability to concentrate an enormous amount of energy on an extremely small (i.e. sub-microscopic) point. These controlled concentrations of energy result in nearly spontaneous cleaning which does not hurt the substrate. ACIM is the ideal technology for deploying energy exactly at the point of use. UNCOPIER technology will revolutionize the paper recycling industry in a number of ways, as well as innovation in the recycling process itself. Since the UNCOPIER leaves the deInked paper immaculately white and undamaged, it will save environmental resources by making it possible to manufacture new print grade paper from the recycled laser-xerographic prints. The UNCOPIER is being developed as an office machine to advocate a pioneer method for recycling paper-at-source deinking, "one sheet at a time." DeInking paper prior to recycling protects confidentiality. This novel approach will appeal to banks, hospitals, law firms, government agencies, and other institutions interested in recycling, but also concerned with safeguarding confidentiality. The UNCOPIER system will reduce recycling costs and enables vital commercial motivations for its improved recycling endeavors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Madanshetty, Sameer Uncopiers, Inc. KS Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 767339 5373 MANU HPCC EGCH 9251 9231 9186 9178 9163 9150 9102 7218 0308000 Industrial Technology 0078904 September 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Chatter Avoidance Software for High Speed Milling. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will integrate a novel, inexpensive device to measure tool dynamics with a general purpose analysis program that will optimize the use of high speed machining centers as a routine shop floor practice. High speed machining is often limited by chatter conditions. These conditions depend on system dynamics and cutting conditions. The product to be developed will provide an integrated hardware/software solution to assist users in selecting optimal spindle speeds and tool depths without the intervention of experts or specialized equipment. The product will handle general tool geometries, tool paths and in-process part geometries working in conjunction with an industrial grade NC verification program. The program will specifically provide recommendations under low tool immersion (light cut) conditions that are commonly used to avoid tool wear in hard materials. Novel aspects include: (1) the study of chatter under transient conditions; (2) sculptured surface parts; (3) a new analytical solution that provides important physical insights under low tool immersion conditions; (4) a new simulation model that is not restricted to uni-directional feed; and (5) the extension of a new measurement device to provide full tool dynamic data. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Esterling, Donald VulcanCraft NC Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 424000 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0079163 January 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: A Large Mosaic Liquid Crystal Fabry-Perot Etalon for Atmospheric Sensing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the traditional size limit of the Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) input aperture. This limit (approximately 8-inches) is imposed by (1) practical fabrication limits to the size of glass flats that can be polished to a surface figure of lambda/100 and (2) by cost limitations. Although an array of smaller glass plates might be used to expand the collecting area of the FPI, coordination of spectral scans over the array elements requires unwieldy control systems or else is not possible with conventional barometric or piezo-electric FRI systems. This research establishes arrays of innovative FPI etalons that use liquid crystal (LC) in the FPI resonant cavity. Spectral scanning of these devices is accomplished by application of a low current to conducting layers applied to the glass substrates. The electric field imposed upon liquid crystal in the resonant cavity alters the orientation of the LC, and thus the index of refraction of the material in the resonant cavity. The ease of electronic control over the refractive index in the FPI cavity permits simple, low weight, low power coordination of multiple LC filled cells and thus makes possible a large array of FPI cells, scanning a spectrum in unison. Phase II will design and fabricate two 10-inch diameter arrays of LC FPI (LCFP) filters. One array will be configured for Doppler measurements of atmospheric emissions and the other for 0.16-nanometer spectral resolution. Potential commercial applications are expected in (1) atmospheric lidar, (2) space-based environmental sensing, (3) passive airglow sensing, (4) clear-air turbulence detection, and (5) target detection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kerr, Robert Scientific Solutions Incorporated MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 397788 5373 EGCH 9188 0313010 Air Pollution 0079262 October 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Net Shape, SiC-Toughened Molybdenum Disilicide Composites. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims at further developing and optimizing the innovative technology for the cost-effective fabrication of dense silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) composites with enhanced strength and toughness up to very high temperatures (1400 degrees C). Molybdenum disilicide has very attractive thermal, oxidative, and corrosion resistance properties for applications in turbine engines, burner rigs, hot gas filters, molten metal lances, and heating elements, but is structurally weak. Reinforcement with a mechanically superior second phase material makes MoSi2-based composites serious candidates for such applications if the composites can be processed to net shape cost effectively. The Phase I project demonstrated the feasibility of reaction forming the MoSi2 matrix with controlled amounts of SiC whiskers or particles, which themselves are formed in-situ. Further, several SiC(f)/MoSi2 compositions were developed that are strong, dense, and resistant to pesting. These compositions were developed using a single step process that combines Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS) of elemental mixtures of Mo, Si, and C with psuedo-Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) -- electroconsolidation. Phase II research will demonstrate the near-net shape capability of the process along with the ability to produce robust MoSi2-based composites. Based on design specifications from turbine engine manufacturers, the project will also fabricate prototypes for testing at the end of Phase II. Immediate commercial use of the SiC(f)-toughened MoSi2 composites can be realized as heating elements, combustion and burner rigs, and molten metal filters. Future applications include uses for aviation and gas turbine engine components, heat exchangers, hot gas filters, and waste incinerators. Other advanced applications include energy storage devices such as ultracapacitors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Nageswaran, Ramachandran COI Ceramics, Inc. UT T. James Rudd Standard Grant 394814 5373 AMPP 9163 1774 0106000 Materials Research 0079315 July 15, 2000 SBIR/STTR Phase II: Ploidy Induction with Penaeid Shrimp for Protection of Investment in Selective Breeding. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on mass production of triploid marine shrimp. Marine shrimp culture experienced exponential growth between 1980 and 1990, increasing from 5% to 28% of total world production. Since then, farmed shrimp production has stagnated due to disease and water quality problems. Disease problems are largely due to dependence on wild caught shrimp broodstock and post larvae, which carry many untreatable viral diseases. A solution to this problem is closed-cycle culture, which also permits genetic selection for improved production performance. To protect a breeder's investment in specific pathogen free (SPF)stock, specific pathogen resistant (SPR) stock, and genetic selection, it is highly desirable to sell only sterile post larvae. Triploidy is a possible solution since triploids of other species are typically sterile and may exhibit superior culture performance. In addition triploidy may allow for the culture of exotic species in environmentally sensitive areas where exclusion of exotics is desirable. Phase II will focus on development of tetraploid breeding stocks that will be crossed with normal diploid stocks to produce triploid progeny. The successful outcome of our R&D effort will result in significant changes in marine shrimp culture. It will prevent competitors from propagation of shrimp stocks that have been genetically selected for aquaculture performance. It will help stimulate large-scale investment in SPF, SPR, genetic selection and closed-cycle shrimp culture. It will help create opportunities to expand use of exotic shrimp species into environmentally sensitive culture areas. Our company intends to be at the forefront of these opportunities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Shleser, Robert Aquatic Farms HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 399800 5373 BIOT 9183 1116 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0079323 August 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Visible Light Audio Information Transfer System. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop an inexpensive Visible Light Audio Information Transfer System (VLAITS) that transmits information to small Personal Audio Receivers (PAR) for blind, hard of hearing, non-physically impaired and non-English speaking users. VLAITS uses already-installed visible lighting fixtures like fluorescent lights to provide modulated light as a carrier medium for data. The PAR receives this modulated light and presents audio to the user. VLAITS is remarkably inexpensive because it requires no additional equipment or special wiring other than typically used in existing lighting fixtures. There is no perceptible visual flicker in light because of data coding schemes. Phase I demonstrated VLAITS, qualified commercial visible light as an information carrier, and demonstrated wayfinding and aural assistance with blind and hard of hearing users. This project seeks to design and refine a commercial VLAITS system and validate system functions and capabilities with blind and hard of hearing users. Included are miniaturization and reduction of production cost of the computer-controlled light ballast transmitter and computer-controlled portable receiver. The receiver will also be designed to be compatible with currently installed infrared systems. This project proffers a solution for the communication of information to people, particularly to those with disabilities, that leverages existing infrastructure in an innovative and cost effective way. Commercial products will be modified light ballasts, personal audio receivers and design of assistive networks. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hinman, Roderick TALKING LIGHTS LLC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 400000 5373 SMET 9180 1545 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116000 Human Subjects 0079350 July 1, 2000 SBIR Phase II: Mathematics Multimedia for Children with Hearing Loss. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the need for customized learning tools in mathematics education for primary students with physical disabilities, in particular, those with significant hearing loss. The Phase II study focuses on modifying and testing sections of existing multimedia so that they will be appropriate as instructional tools for PreK-K children with significant hearing loss. The need is critical: 2 out of every 1,000 young children in the U.S. have hearing loss severe enough to adversely affect learning. In addition, resources for these individuals are normally allocated to the development of language acquisition; thus, the development of mathematical computation and reasoning often is not addressed until a significant learning window has lapsed. The National Action Plan for Mathematics Education Reform for the Deaf recommends that more resources address mathematics instruction for children with significant hearing loss. Learning in Motion intends to modify a research-based, field-tested multimedia program for early learners of mathematics. This program was the direct result of Phases I and II of a NSF SBIR project. The multimedia program includes three-dimensional graphics and characters, completed game logic, and four interactive game areas that are suitable for modification. The study's main objectives: 1) design, program, and test modifications to existing software games (4) with students with hearing loss, 2) conduct and use subjective observations from teachers and researchers to further refine the modifications, and 3) initiate a testing plan for the complete modified program. Ultimate results include: salable multimedia for the under-represented group of students with significant hearing loss and publishable design guidelines for others electing to produce specialized software. Learning in Motion seeks to provide in a completely modified mathematics multimedia program for hearing-loss children. Design guidelines informed by the WGBH guidelines will also be produced, encouraging commercial collaboration with other publishers looking to produce similar programs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cappo, Marjorie Learning in Motion, Inc. CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 400000 7256 5373 SMET 9177 9102 7355 7256 1545 0108000 Software Development 0079484 September 15, 2000 SBIR Phase II: A New Vibration Mixer for Bone Cement. This SBIR Phase II project is aimed at developing a novel vibration mixer for the mixing of surgical grade bone cement. Self-curing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic bone cement is used extensively in total joint replacements, in the repair of bony defects and in the fixation of pathological fractures. For surgical use, the methylmethacrylate polymer and the liquid monomer are hand mixed. This hand-mixing entraps air bubbles making the cement porous. Presence of these bubbles adversely affects the mechanical properties of bone cement, making it much weaker under load and may contribute to early failure of cemented artificial joints. Results of the Phase I study indicate that ultrasonic vibration during cement mixing significantly reduced its porosity and increased the fatigue life and mechanical strength of bone cement, compared to hand-mixed cement. Recently, it was shown that combining sonication and vacuum mixing reduced the porosity and further improved the fatigue life, compared to either mixing methods alone. During the Phase II study, the frequency and amplitude of sonication and the vacuum pressure to obtain the best mechanical properties of the cement will be optimized. Subsequently, a new cement mixer will be designed and built incorporating these mixing features. It is expected that the improved mechanical properties of vibrated bone cement will reduce the incidence of cement fracture and this will improve the success rate of total joint replacements. Considering that cement mixers are used in several thousand hospitals in the United States alone, we expect this new cement mixer to be adopted by a large number of Orthopaedic surgeons in these hospitals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Saha, Pamela Clinical and Industrial Technology Co SC Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 0 5373 OTHR BIOT 9184 9150 9102 5342 0203000 Health 0080012 September 1, 2000 Georgia Tech Proposal to Join PSerc. The Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSerc) is one of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC) supported by the National Science Foundation. The mission of the center is to support research activities in electric power systems. PSerc is headquartered at Cornell University. Presently, several corporations support and direct the activities of PSerc. In addition to Cornell, the University of California at Berkeley, Howard University, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Washington State University, Iowa State University and Arizona State University participate in PSerc. The addition of the Georgia Institute of Technology to the participating universities will have many benefits, as outlined in the proposal. The main objective of this proposal is to outline the Georgia Tech research plan within PSerc and to establish a research site for PSerc at Georgia Institute of Technology INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS CONTROL, NETWORKS, & COMP INTE IIP ENG Meliopoulos, Athan GA Tech Research Corporation - GA Institute of Technology GA Rathindra DasGupta Continuing grant 706240 X943 X672 W351 W242 W004 V915 V105 T846 T313 T194 T752 T543 T479 H232 5761 1518 OTHR HPCC 9139 127E 122E 1049 0000 0400000 Industry University - Co-op 0080128 August 1, 2000 STTR Phase II: Microsensors for In-Situ, Real-Time Detection and Characterization of Toxic Oganic Substances. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project has as the primary focus the development and commercialization of a novel microsensor for the in-situ, real-time detection of toxic organic chemicals. The proposed microsensor will be capable of operating under field conditions, with sufficient sensitivity to permit high detection rates, and with sufficient selectivity to prevent high false alarm rates. Using a revolutionary photo-thermal concept, the detector will operate with both high chemical selectivity and a less than parts per billion sensitivity. The technological concept of the proposed detector (CalSpec) won the 1998 R&D 100 award. The chemical sensitivity can be substantially enhanced to a less than parts per trillion level by simply operating in an integrating chemical detection mode. The objective of this research is to demonstrate highly specific, sensitive and selective detection of organic chemical compounds and to develop a multichemical detector which can detect toxic organics with concentrations varying from a few parts per thousand to a few parts per trillion. Sensitive monitoring and detection is an area of continuing importance to EPA, DOD, DOE and other federal agencies. The CalSpec detector could be used in a variety of applications, including process monitoring and control, environmental compliance (including emissions monitoring), ambient air monitoring, airport security, personal dosimeters for toxic gases or metal vapor, and smoke and fire constituent detection. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Carter, James Panos Datskos Irene Datskou Environmental Engineering Group, Incorporated TN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 448547 5373 1505 BIOT 9107 1505 0308000 Industrial Technology 0080372 August 15, 2000 STTR Phase II: Optic Fiber Sensors for the Detection of Pathogenic Microorganisms. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project addresses the need for rapid, reliable instrumentation for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food and environmental screening. The proposed system is based on MEMS-based, optical fiber, extrinsic Fabry-Perot (EFPI) biosensors. During Phase I, Luna Innovations (formerly F&S, Inc.) optimized the EFPI sensing platform for refractive index measurements, applied affinity films to measure kinetic binding with specific antibodies and non-hazardous proteins, and integrated the sensors with an inexpensive signal conditioning system for a complete detection combination. The newly developed system is capable of cost effective, robust, operationally simple detection. It is easily adapted to incorporate microfluidics or other sampling system interfaces thereby offering improvements in refractive index measurements, as well as biosensing capabilities. During Phase II, this sensing system will be incorporated with microfluidic sampling systems and used to demonstrate simple detection of proteinacious targets of Escherichi coli and Vibrio cholerae, and will later be expanded for other high priority pathogens found in raw and processed food products, contaminated water and soil, and biological warfare agents. Anticipated Benefits/Potential Commercial Applications of the Research or Development: The prototype system has already generated tremendous interest from many companies involved in refractive index measurements for process control, target screening within the food industry, and other biological research applications. The EFPI as a refractometer has found applications within the beverage industry for milk processing, and the petroleum and chemical industry for distillation processes and concentration monitoring. As a biosensor, the EFPI will find widespread application in multibillion dollar annual markets in food, environmental, medical, and industrial applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG VanTassell, Roger Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 449464 5373 1505 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0080569 December 1, 2000 STTR Phase II: A Microsensor for Rapid Detection of Airborne Endotoxin. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is expected to result in a biosensor based instrument that can reliably and economically capture and measure airborne endotoxin in-situ with better specificity than existing assay methods. Airborne endotoxin has been identified as a major health hazard to both humans and animals in many agricultural and industrial settings. Endotoxins in the environment primarily enter the body through the lung and are difficult to clear. This contributes to the development of respiratory disorders. Regulation of human endotoxin exposure has not been possible to this point since no quick, reliable system exists to measure airborne endotoxin in the field. Current methods of measuring airborne endotoxin involve collecting dust samples in a sterile filter and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis take weeks to receive and have poor specificity to endotoxin. The proposed instrument is expected to provide a more accurate, specific, rapid, and reliable alternative to existing assays for detecting airborne endotoxin in the range of 0.01 mg/m 3 to 20 mg/m 3. Measuring endotoxin levels and subsequent modification of airflow will minimize human endotoxin exposure, and lead to improvement in the respiratory health of workers. A biosensor to detect airborne endotoxin will have commercial applications to protect human health in areas such as livestock confinement and processing facilities, produce storage and processing facilities, cotton processing facilities, waste management facilities, and air quality monitoring of office buildings. Since endotoxin also represents a threat to the health of livestock, particularly swine and poultry, the animal/veterinary sciences market is also expected to be significant. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Mileham, Russell Microconversion Technologies Co SD George B. Vermont Standard Grant 449929 9150 1505 BIOT 9150 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0080598 August 15, 2000 STTR Phase II: Cell-Mimic Optical Waveguide Sensor for Real-Time In-Line Biological Pathogen Detection. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop a cell-mimic optical-based biosensor for the real-time detection of foodborne biological pathogen. Five million analytical tests are performed on food annually in the U.S.; unfortunately, current microbiological test methods are time consuming and labor intensive. Intelligent Optical Systems, in collaboration with the Scripps Research Institute, proposes to develop an optical biosensor that mimics a cell membrane that has undergone biological pathogen attack. The response of the cell-mimic biochromatic membrane to the foodborne toxins is sensitive, specific, and instantaneous. During Phase I, the team developed "highly stable" cell-mimic membranes and demonstrated them in two laboratory systems: (1) a cell-mimic optical waveguide sensor (COWS) for "in-line" monitoring, and (2) a cell-mimic optical bead sensor (COBS) for "on-site point detection". These laboratory systems were used to detect foodborne toxins (E. coli-enterotoxin and cholera toxin) with excellent speed (< 1 minute), sensitivity (500 - 1 ng/ml), specificity (molecular receptor), and simplicity (one step). Phase II will focus on optimizing the cell-mimic biochromatic polymers, engineering and field-testing a portable COBS prototype, and extending the tests to other foodborne toxins. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Wang, Allan INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 449998 5373 1505 BIOT 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0080956 June 15, 2000 STTR Phase II: Early Detection and Identification of Individual Pathogenic Microorganisms in Food with a Flow Cytometer. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II Project will demonstrate the real-time detection of single foodborne pathogenic bacteria in a real-world operating environment. SoftRay demonstrated an innovative technique to detect pathogenic microorganisms in Phase I, based on laser-induced fluorescence coupled with flow cytometry. The Phase I research showed conclusively that this approach is feasible, and that the technique has key advantages over current alternatives including it is: 1) capable of detecting single microorganisms (techniques other than immunofluorescent flow cytometry or immunofluorescent microscopic imaging require in excess of 104 microorganisms), 2) able to completely examine a large volume of food or water in real time, 3) intrinsically automatic, and 4) sensitive only to the selected bacteria or viruses. In Phase II, SoftRay will demonstrate a lost-cost, self-contained prototype system for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food or water, including E. coli O157:H7 on beef. This innovative technique is based on laser-induced fluorescence in which a stream of solution containing the microorganisms is labeled with fluorescent probes and is then illuminated with a laser diode (commonly called flow cytometry). The resulting fluorescence is detected with a CCD imager using a novel time-integration scheme. The proposed device will use a simple optical configuration and a laser diode to provide a low-cost, rugged, small, lightweight package that can be used to detect specific, individual bacteria in real time. Key technology objective is to develop a pathogenic bacteria detection technique that can analyze 1 ml of fluid for selected pathogens in less than 1 minute, to a sensitivity of less than 10 pathogenic microorganisms per ml. The result of the Phase I and II project will be the demonstration of a prototype sensor capable of individual microorganism detection of unprecedented sensitivity, selectivity, and speed. This will enable rapid detection of individual specific pathogenic microorganisms in a wide array of applications, including: food processing inspection, clinical applications (such as detection of tuberculosis in sputum), biological warfare defense, and many other situations where single microorganism detection is required. The technique can also be used to detect small numbers of molecules, including explosives and groundwater contaminates. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Shorthill, Richard Paul Johnson SoftRay Incorporated WY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 449988 1505 BIOT 9150 9107 0308000 Industrial Technology 0083223 August 1, 2000 Relating Field Data to Accelerated Life Testing. This project brings together two NSF I/UCRC's to improve accelerated life testing (ALT) of vehicle electronics. The Center for Advanced Vehicle Electronics (CAVE) of Auburn University with partner with the Quality and Reliability Engineering (QRE) Center of Rutgers University and Arizona State University to investigate the relationship between wear, degradation and failure of vehicle controllers as experienced in the field with that expected by the results of ALT conducted in the laboratory. DaimlerChrysler Electronics of Huntsville, Alabama supplies the test bed. Vehicle electronics are subject to stress due to temperature, humidity, cycling and other environmental hazards. The materials that comprise the controllers are susceptible to the effects of corrosion and oxidation. The solder that connects the controller components can crack due to fatigue and creep under high temperature and thermal cycling stresses. These failures affect the performance of the vehicle from slightly to severely. The research of this project will develop a general methodology for specifying accelerated life tests so that they result in an accurate characterization of the degradation and failures that will be experienced in the filed. The failure mechanisms for the assembly materials in field units will be investigated in the development of the accelerated life tests. ALT standards, which new units must pass prior to marketing, will be adequate without being overly conservative, potentially allowing new designs and new materials to be used in vehicle electronics. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Elsayed, Elsayed David Coit Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0083253 October 1, 2001 Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Electronic Materials, Devices and Systems. N/A INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG McDaniel, Floyd University of North Texas TX Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 30000 5761 OTHR 0000 0084648 August 15, 2000 Planning Grant for I/UCRC of Thermal Processing Technology. Thermal processing is a fundamental part of almost all materials manufacturing processes. Thermal processing encompasses a broad range of processes in which heating or cooling are used and during which process the material may undergo some change in internal structure and/or external geometry. The thermal processing industry faces a number of challenges to continued growth and international competitiveness as outlined in a technology road map for the industry, "The 1999 R&D Plan for Heat Treating" published by the Heat Treat Society. This planning grant is to support activities aimed at determining the feasibility of establishing an I/UCRC focused on thermal processing technology. The activities will culminate in a planning meeting with industry to develop a research agenda and commitments for membership. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Nash, Philip Robert Foley T. Calvin Tszeng Illinois Institute of Technology IL William S. Butcher Standard Grant 9975 5761 OTHR 0000 0084731 August 1, 2000 CAPPS: Effect of extended cold and cold/acid storage on subsequent heat, acid, and freeze/thaw tolerance and virulence factor expression of Escherichia coli O157:H7. EEC-0084731 Drake This Study will address the effects that extended cold storage conditions such as those encountered in extended shelf life refrigerated foods (cold stress, cold/acid stress) have on subsequent growth characteristics, heat tolerance, acid tolerance, freeze thaw stability, and virulence factor expression of E. coli O157:H7. Studies will be conducted in broth as well as in a model food system, skim milk. A better understanding of the effects of cold storage and cold/acid storage on subsequent growth characteristics and virulence of E. coli O157:H7 will enable design of food processing and storage regimes to minimize risk and will expand knowledge of cold adaptation of this foodborne pathogen. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Drake, MaryAnne Mississippi State University MS Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0084906 August 15, 2000 Planning Activity for The Center for Identification Technology Research. Automated biometric identification systems measure a physiological, behavioral, or biological "signature" from the human body or environment, process and recognize classifiable signal components, and then renders an identification decision based upon the parameters of a given application. Effectively addressing the breadth of needed biometric identification system research from to life sciences to the computing sciences represents a significant challenges to industry and government. The proposed Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR) organizes the activities of faculty groups at four universities spanning the physical, health, and computer sciences and engineering, to effectively address the cross-cutting research needed to advance identification technology and systems in the application domain spanning security/law enforcement, information systems, and public health. CITeR will serve an enabling role in the technical and economic development of this area through research of new enabling technologies, the integrative training of scientists and engineers across its breadth, and the facilitation of the transfer of this technology to the private and government sectors. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Hornak, Lawrence West Virginia University Research Corporation WV William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0084994 August 15, 2000 Planning Grant: Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing. The mission of the Center for Lasers and Plasmas for Advanced Manufacturing (LPMC) is to develop a science, engineering, and technology base for laser and plasma processing of materials, devices and systems. Laser and Plasma processing of materials is used in various manufacturing sectors such as semiconductor/electronic manufacturing , aerospace, automotive, general manufacturing, life science products, medical device manufacturing. The focus of this center in the area of lasers and plasma processing will include: bulk processing, surface processing, coatings, surface etching and patterning. The center will build upon the on going large number of industrial projects and state supported center for plasma and photon processing at the Applied Research Center. This center will also take full advantage of being sited next to Free Electron Laser Facility of Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The Free Electron Laser Facility is the world's most powerful, tunable laser, currently delivering kilowatt average power in the mid-infrared. The lead institution is Old Dominion University and partner institutions are Christopher Newport University, College of William and Mary and Norfolk State University (historically black college and university). INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Gupta, Mool Old Dominion University Research Foundation VA William S. Butcher Standard Grant 10000 5761 MANU 9146 0085639 September 1, 2000 Interaction Mechanism of imidazoline inhibitors with C-steel in corrosion product layer (CPL) evolution in multiphase CO2 corrosion. This award provides funding for a one-year Research Opportunity Award to the University of Florida to work on a joint research project with the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Corrosion in Multiphase Technology at Ohio University. This interdisciplinary research program will focus on inhibitor/steel interactions and its effect on the chemistry and morphology of corrosion product layers. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IIP ENG Seal, Sudipta University of Central Florida FL Mary Poats Standard Grant 31000 5761 1360 SMET OTHR 9251 9232 9178 0000 0086047 February 15, 2001 A Proposal for the collaboration between the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the NSF I/UCRC in Ergonomics at Texas A&M University. This award provides funding for a two-year collaborative project between the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Ergonomics at Texas A&M University and Professor Arun Garg from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The purpose of this proposal is to expand the intellectual capital of selected research projects at the Ergonomics I/UCRC through Dr. Garg's participation in several research projects. Dr. Garg will contribute to these projects by interacting with the students, faculty, and industrial partners on the design, analysis and interpretation of the selected studies. The expected outcome of the proposed collaboration would include higher quality research in ergonomics at the Center which should enhance the Center's reputation both in the scientific community as well as in industry. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Garg, Arun University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WI Mary Poats Standard Grant 31234 5761 OTHR 9232 0000 0086182 September 1, 2000 Multiuniversity I/U CRC for Membrane Applied Science and Technology at the University of Cincinnati. EEC-0086182 Krantz This proposal will initiate a second site at the University of Cincinnati of the NSF I/UCRC for Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST) that was established at the University of Colorado in 1990. The MAST Center has focused on polymeric and inorganic membrane formation, catalytic membranes, and membrane fouling and characterization. The proposed MAST site at the University of Cincinnati will complement the Colorado site via thrusts in biomedical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, paper industry, and personal home care product applications of membranes. The University of Cincinnati has commitments in the amount of $160,000 from four sponsors and has an expression of interest from 14 additional companies and government laboratories. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Krantz, William Sun-Tak Hwang University of Cincinnati Main Campus OH Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 5761 OTHR 0000 0086218 September 1, 2000 Biosurface Contact and Bioadhesion Studies Using AFM: A RUI Project. Over a two year period, the research will focus on Biosurface Contact and Bioadhesion Studies Using Atomic Force Microscopy, using fungal spores. Other aspects of the research will address monocyte and hepatocyte adhesion to reference substrata. Surface characterization expertise at UB will supplement the research performed by Towson and Frostburg undergraduates and faculty. IUCB colleagues at the U.S. Army Biotechnology Program and at the US FDA Division of Mechanics and Materials also will participate in the program. In addition to providing quantitative, time dependent evaluations of hepatocyte, monocyte, and fungal spore attachment strengths to different substrata, this study will produce techniques that can be applied to other applications involving cell and/or particle adhesion. These techniques could be applied to the dental and medical industries, as well as environmental health issues of the paint and xerography industies. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Baier, Robert SUNY at Buffalo NY Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 56000 5761 OTHR 0000 0086508 September 1, 2000 SINTERING OF MULTILAYERED CERAMIC FILMS: LARGE-SCALE MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS ON PARALLEL COMPUTERS. EEC-0086508 Vashishta The goal of this project is to understand atomistic processes involved in the constrained sintering of multilayered ceramic films and the mechanical properties of the sintered systems using large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. Research will focus on 1) ceramic/ceramic interfaces involving, Si3N4, SiC, and Al2O3 with amorphous SiO2 interlayers; and 2) sintering in laminated multilayer films consisting of nanoparticles of these ceramics with glassy coating. The objectives are to investigate: structure, stresses, friction, and debonding at interfaces; effects of thermal-expansion mismatch/anisotropy, nanoparticle size, and interfacial glassy layers on sintering; residual stress distribution; and delamination. Algorithms will be designed to carry out multiscale simulations combining the coarse-grained MD and the finite element methods in a metacomputing environment with multiple parallel machines, mass storage devices, and immersive and interactive virtual environments on a Grid with high speed networks. The proposed research will have significant impact on new multilayer ceramic integrated circuit technologies in the electronic industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Vashishta, Priya Aiichiro Nakano Rajiv Kalia Louisiana State University & Agricultural and Mechanical College LA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 50000 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0086534 August 15, 2000 Precision Manufacturing for High Density Servo Motors. The Electromechanical Systems Laboratory (EMSyL) is an existing consortium composed of the University of Alabama, Auburn University, the University of Tulsa, Shelton State Community College (with HBCU status), and the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science. The EMSyL industrial partners are: Bartronics (minority owned), Honeywell, T.B. Kim Technologies International, Lockheed Martin, Moog, and Preco Industries. The federal partners in EMSyL are Oak Ridge National Laboratories and NASA - Glenn Research Center. The consortium is presently in the first year of a two-year NSF/EPSCoR standard grant. EMSyL represents a vast collection of resources, both human and capital, that provides a unique opportunity to tackle the complex issues associated with the proliferation of electromechanical systems in industry. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Haskew, Timothy Robert Scharstein University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 47450 9150 5761 OTHR 9150 0000 0086554 September 1, 2000 Optoelectronic Devices, Interconnects, and Packaging (COEDIP Center). The University of Arizona and the University of Maryland are proposing the renewal of their successful joint Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers (I/UCRC), entitled "The Center for Optoelectronic Devices Interconnect and Packaging (COEDIP)" under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation. The Center was created five years ago to promote collaborative research between the two Universities and industries based on their strengths in the field of optoelectronics components, packaging and interconnection. The major goals of the Center are: - To promote collaboration and joint projects between the two universities; - To transfer new technology developed within each university to their industrial partners; and - To train highly qualified students and promote their interaction with industries. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Christou, Aristos University of Maryland College Park MD Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 139000 5761 AMPP 9165 0090319 September 1, 2000 New Dimensions in Post Occupancy Evaluation Using the Web. Post Occupancy Evaluations have been used to provide technical feedback to designers, developers, owners, operations, tenants and researchers following completion of newly constructed buildings and provide a basis for identifying research needs. They are an invaluable source of information for improving the design and performance of buildings. Surveys allow designers, developers, owners, operators and tenants to objectively gauge which building services and design features are working and which aren't. This project will evaluate whether a new, web-based survey instrument can provide these groups with a more robust performance analysis at a lower cost than existing methods. IIP ENG Arens, Edward University of California-Berkeley CA William S. Butcher Standard Grant 71999 X719 W014 OTHR 0000 0090393 October 1, 2000 A Partnership for Innovation: Promoting Education and Research in Nanofabrication Applications to Biology and Medicine. 0090393 Wormley This award is to The Pennsylvania State University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include the Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology Partnership, which includes the Pennsylvania State University, industry in Pennsylvania, 14 Community Colleges, and several public school districts. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include formation of an associates degree to train associate degree workforce in nanotechnology, biology, and medicine for the biomedical industry; assessment of the needs of industry for their workforce; curriculum development; research for industry. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the program include training a well-qualified workforce for the emerging nanotechnology field (biological and medically related). The range of academe involved goes from high school to community colleges to the Pennsylvania State University. The proposed effort should stimulate economic activity in the private sector creating jobs and economic well being in the state. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcomes include a trained workforce to attract and enable biotech industry; research infusion to provide technical assistance to new and emerging companies; state-of-the-art facilities for research and education. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society include creation of new high tech jobs for all levels and all classes of people in the state and general economic well being in the state in emerging biotechnology and biomedical fields. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Wormley, David Stephen Fonash Pennsylvania State Univ University Park PA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0090422 February 15, 2001 Great Plains Rapid Prototyping Consortium. 0090422 Maleki This award is to South Dakota State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are South Dakota State University; Daktronics, Inc; Falcon Plastics, Inc; MTR, Inc. Proposed Activities The activities of this award include support for education; product development; research in rapid prototyping; technology transfer; developing a rapid prototyping facility at the university; product design; assistance in rapid prototyping to small industries in the region. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals include transfer of the latest research in rapid prototyping to medium and small manufacturing firms in the state. The proposed activities will bring an important capability to a region that needs to develop more technology-based manufacturing. This activity will make the region more attractive to businesses and manufacturing firms and make the existing firms more competitive nationally. The educational component will provide a technologically literate workforce at the engineering level. Potential Economic Impact The rapid prototyping facility will provide a laboratory for education of engineers in South Dakota, provide the economic benefits for small companies in the region who cannot afford to own the facilities, provide technical support for emerging small manufacturing firms in the region. The facility should be self-sustaining by year four by membership fees. Potential Societal Impact The activity will provide more high tech manufacturing jobs for the state, and raise income in a region that has lagged the nation. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Brown, Lewis South Dakota State University SD Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599898 9150 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0090427 February 1, 2001 Institute for Emerging Technologies: Strategic Technology Education for Non-Tech Majors. 0090427 Harris This award is to the University of Central Oklahoma to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners in this award include the University of Central Oklahoma; Edmond Economic Development Authority; Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center; Pinnacle Business Systems, Inc; Main Street Enterprises; Executive Women's Forum; Edmond Public Schools; Capitol Hill High School; Latino Community Development Agency. Proposed Activities The activities in this award include education of a workforce in computer technology-related fields; enhancement of faculty technology skills for information technology; summer internships for faculty and students in private sector; scholarships to the University of Central Oklahoma for high school students for technology training and internships in industry. Industry will provide mentors for interns. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the award are to provide increased computer-related skills for high school and college graduates for central Oklahoma to enable innovation in information technology. Hispanics, women, and African American student populations will be targeted. Interactions with industry partners will make the education and training relevant to the needs of the private sector in central Oklahoma. Potential Economic Impact Potential economic outcomes include thirty percent more technologically-competent students, including 20% more women and/or minorities will complete a higher-education offering technological training for high tech industry, as well as training for computer skills for non-computer majors at the University of Central Oklahoma. Potential Societal Impact Potential benefits to society from this activity include increased skills for under-represented groups to allow them to compete in the job market in information technology. Resulting economic activity will increase available jobs in the area. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Harris, David Steve Kreidler University of Central Oklahoma OK Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599267 1662 OTHR 0000 0090437 October 1, 2000 Maryland Technology Partnership for Innovation (MTPI). 0090437 DeLoach This award is to Morgan State University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include Morgan State University; Maryland Technology Development Corporation; Baltimore Development Corporation's Emerging Technology Center; Chesapeake Bay Regional Technical Center of Excellence; Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation. Proposed Activities The activities include technology transfer; business incubation; education and workforce development; strengthening local economies in targeted economically distressed communities; utilization of science and technology of federal laboratories in Maryland. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals are creation of economic wealth through technology transfer of research and development in the universities and federal laboratories in Maryland to create new companies and new jobs; creation of infrastructure to enable innovation; strong emphasis on education and training. Potential Economic Impact The activities will provide general economic well being in both rural (Maryland Eastern Shore) and urban (Baltimore and Prince George County) areas to reach under-represented groups. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society include involvement of under-represented groups in the innovation enterprise in both rural and urban areas by creating new companies and new jobs for the disadvantaged and provision of the needed training to enable innovation and empower people to create economic well being; higher paying jobs in the region. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG DeLoatch, Eugene LeeRoy Bronner Phillip Singerman Morgan State University MD Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 667500 1662 OTHR 0000 0090472 February 1, 2001 Advanced Polymer Materials for Construction and Aquaculture Marketing Development. This award is to The University of West Virginia to support the activity described below for a period of 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnernerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners University of Akron; Kansas/West Virginia Structural Composites, Inc.; West Virginia Department of Highways; Transportation Research Board; U.S Department of Agriculture Proposed Activities The proposed activities include: develop, manufacture, implement, field-test, and market novel honeycomb fiber-reinforced polymer sandwich composite materials for applications in civil infrastructure and aquaculture industries, with particular emphasis on highway bridge decks, guardrail systems, and modular fish culture tanks for use with impaired mine water supplies in rugged terrain. Kansas/West Virginia Structural Composites, Inc is in the process of establishing a manufacturing plant close to the West Virginia University campus. The program will include cost-effective innovations for manufacturing technologies; concurrent optimization of materials and design; prototype development and evaluation; product implementation and marketing; work-force training and curriculum development; technology transfer. The initial effort will emphasize development and marketing of bridge decks, guardrail systems, and modular fish culture tanks. Feasibility studies and field implementation studies are being supported by West Virginia Department of Highways, Transportation Board, and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Proposed Innovation The proposed innovation includes: technology transfer of new knowledge of composite materials to improve highway civil infrastructure and to create technology for aquaculture for economic enterprise (fish farming) and food production, as well as education of engineers in design with new materials for civil infrastructure. Potential Economic Impact Estimated income from fish aquaculture is $12M annual sales ($4.6M annual income) and includes approximately 300 new jobs. Highway materials are targeted to a potential percentage of the $1T civil infrastructure market. West Virginia estimates that 40% of the highway bridges are in immediate need of repair. Potential Societal Impact Potentail societal impact includes increased food production, jobs, and improved highway safety. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI STRUCTURAL MATERIALS AND MECH IIP ENG Davalos, Julio Allen Cogley Pizhong Qiao Karl Barth Roger Viadero West Virginia University Research Corporation WV Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 597378 9150 1662 1635 OTHR 0000 0090474 February 15, 2001 Distance Education Delivery for Isolated Rural Communities: A Contingency Approach. 0090474 Scott This award is to Ilisagvik College to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include California Virtual Campus, Bay Area Region 1; Lewis-Clark State College; Northwest Indian College; Phillips Community College; Arctic Slope Regional Corporation; North Slope Borough Office of the Mayor; Alaska Growth Capital; Arctic Development Council; Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska; Interior Athabascan Tribal College; Tanana Chiefs Conference. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include delivery of post-secondary education to Alaska Natives living in intensely rural villages, typically far off the road system, with unemployment rates 3-5 times the national average; develop, test, and refine a situational model for distance education that takes into account variables for indigenous communities; combine distance learning with technical assistance for entrepreneurs and job placement services to develop Alaska's rural economy; assess occupational demand in the region; determine the skill levels of the workers; design and deliver two rounds of distance learning; provide small business training and technical assistance; assess the emerging model and disseminate the learnings. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the award include providing distance training to prepare workers for job demands in remote Alaska; providing small business training and technical assistance; research and development of models for remote education in rural indigenous populations; enablement of increased business and job opportunities in rural Alaska. Potential Economic Impact The economic outcomes for this award include increased skills and technical assistance for small business in rural Alaska, as well as increased jobs and business training and opportunity. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society from this award include involvement of indigenous tribal population in a rural environment in job training and opportunity, plus creation of increased wealth in remote Alaska. DIGITAL SOCIETY&TECHNOLOGIES ARCTIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ARCTIC RESRCH SUPPRT & LOGISTI CISE RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Bartholomew, Courtneay Curt Madison Ilisagvik College AK Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 573662 6850 5208 5205 2885 1662 1340 OTHR 0000 0090517 February 1, 2001 Partnership for Innovation (PFI) to Enhance Puerto Rico's Economic Development. 0090517 Gomez This award is to the University of Puerto Rico to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include the University of Puerto Rico; Inter American University of Puerto Rico; Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico; Industry/University Research Consortium; Chamber of Commerce; Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association; venture capital; incubator facilities. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include workforce development; improved access to new knowledge for companies; creation of infrastructure for innovation; development of a strategic plan for innovation for Puerto Rico. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals include development of entrepreneurial skills in the workforce; integration of research and education; technology transfer to create new companies; creation of the infrastructure for innovation in Puerto Rico; development of a strategic plan for innovation in Puerto Rico; creation of new jobs and a technologically literate workforce. Potential Economic Impact This activity should have the following outcomes: general economic well being with new start-up companies and new high tech jobs for the citizens of Puerto Rico. Potential Societal Impact This activity should provide new jobs and economic well being for under-represented groups. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Gomez, Manuel Brad Weiner Winston Liang Victor Rivera University of Puerto Rico PR Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 599997 1662 1340 OTHR 0000 0090518 February 1, 2001 Low Cost RTM Based Carbon/Carbon Composites for Automotive to Space Applications. 0090518 Shivakumar This award is to North Carolina A&T State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners North Carolina A&T State University; 3-TEX Inc.; General Electric Aircraft Engine Group (Cincinnati, OH); NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH) Proposed Activities The activities include commercial technology development and work-force advancement; commercial development; attract minority students to graduate programs; launching new start-up companies; licensing technology for transfer to existing businesses. Proposed Innovation Carbon/carbon composites are being developed for ion thruster optics and other ion thrusters for deep space flight engines, bearing cages for large and small aircraft engines, valves for internal combustion engines, textile products, and sports equipment. Potential Economic Impact The current market for these materials is not known at this time, but the potential market for engines for commercial aircraft is very large. The combination of small business to manufacture the components, a large aircraft engine manufacturing company, and NASA produces a partnership that has the potential to sustain the economic enterprise for the short-term future. Once manufacturing produces a product for a reasonable market price, additional applications may arise. Potential Societal Impact North Carolina A&T is a historically African-american institution. The program would increase the number of African-american engineers with BS and post-graduate degrees in the US. The economic activity has the potential to create new markets and new jobs. URBAN SYSTEMIC PROGRAM PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI MATERIALS PROCESSING AND MANFG IIP ENG Shivakumar, Kunigal Earnestine Psalmonds North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University NC Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 614961 7347 1662 1467 SMET OTHR 9177 1662 0000 0090521 October 1, 2000 Innovation Networks: A Strategy of the Regional Technology Alliance. 0090521 Byron This award is to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Massachusetts Ventures Corporation; Springfield Technical Community College; Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts; Kollmorgen Aerospace and Defense Group; Rexam Image Products; Western Massachusetts Electric Company; Western Massachusetts Software Company; Mass Ventures Equity Fund; National Collegiate Innovators and Inventors Association. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include: establishment of enabling innovation networks; technology exchange; entrepreneurship activities; commercialization; workforce development; capitalization on the strengths in research in polymer science, computer science, chemical engineering, environmental technology, and electrical engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to integrate research and education and transfer technology. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the award are to capitalize on the strong intellectual output from the University of Massachusetts to start new economic activities in western Massachusetts, which has not benefited from the economic well being of the eastern part of the state and to establish new businesses in telecommunications, and manufacturing. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcome includes formation and fostering of early stage companies; to establish a collaborative infrastructure to help isolated companies; to increase public and private investment in targeted areas. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society include creation of new wealth through creation of new companies and new jobs, training of a technologically literate workforce with higher paying job opportunities. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Byron, Frederick Shaw Ling Hsu Jerome Schaufeld Allan Blair Thomas Holland University of Massachusetts Amherst MA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 596309 1662 OTHR 0000 0090523 October 1, 2000 Models for Better Academic-Industrial Partnerships to Create Value from Concepts. 0090523 Kohn This award is to Rutgers University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are Rutgers University; University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Institute of Technology; New Jersey Center for Biomaterials, which includes 15 industrial members. Proposed Activities The activities in this award include implementation and evaluation of better models for academic-industrial partnerships; improved business assessment and planning tools for the innovation process; development of marketable technology from underutilized intellectual property within the industrial sector; engage faculty from business school entrepreneurship programs and public policy departments; education of graduate students in innovation and entrepreneurship. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals are the implementation and evaluation of better models for innovation including Technology Enablement Partnership (TEP) and Virtual Research Organization (VRO). TEP model is for more efficient utilization of underdeveloped intellectual property within the academic sector by improved business assessment and planning. VRO is for development of marketable technology from underutilized intellectual property within the industrial sector by novel interactions with academia. Business schools and public policy departments are participating, as well as scientific and engineering departments from academia. Business and government agencies complete the partnerships with their traditional strengths. The models and their evaluations will be disseminated through normal channels plus a public Innovation Workshop. Potential Economic Impact Workforce needs for innovation in the form of graduate student education will provide the infrastructure to enable innovation in the biomaterials sector. The models will be evaluated and the results will be disseminated. Any business enterprises from the commercialization activities will also have economic impact. Potential Societal Impact Biomaterials have many applications that will be important to medicine and public health. In addition, new jobs in the technology sector will be a benefit in New Jersey. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Kohn, Joachim Joseph Seneca Michael Jaffe William Adams Bozena Michniak Rutgers University New Brunswick NJ Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599344 1662 OTHR 0000 0090526 February 15, 2001 "Room temperature infrared lasers based on rare earth doped CaGa2Se4". 0090526 Poole This award is to Fisk University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners Fisk University; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL); Coherent Technologies Incorporated (CTI) Proposed Activities Fisk University will grow crystals; LLNL will evaluate the crystals; CTI will build the laser systems. Proposed Innovation The primary application for these laser devices is as transmitters for eyesafe active remote sensors. These sensors are used for a variety of commercial applications including pollution monitoring, atmospheric trace gas monitoring and meteorological studies and wind sensing (lidar systems for aircraft to detect clear air turbulence). CTI has a proposed plan to obtain funding for development of markets for future developments with these laser materials. Potential Economic Impact The proposal does not assess the economic impact, although the potential applications and companies that could participate in the marketing of the products are identified. The primary applications for these lasers is as transmitters for eyesafe active remote sensors used for pollution monitoring, atmospheric trace gas monitoring, meteorological studies, and wind sensing (clear air turbulence). The potential applications range from aircraft safety to air quality and pollution monitoring and control. Education of African American students, especially in engineering is another strong benefit to society. Potential Societal Impact The technology will contribute to public safety, air pollution monitoring etc. In addition, the number of African Americans with both undergraduate and graduate degrees will increase. The strength of the research and education of this institution will be increased. DMR SHORT TERM SUPPORT PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI INTEGRATIVE SYSTEMS OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY AC IIP ENG Poole, Robert Arnold Burger Fisk University TN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 599778 1712 1662 1519 1253 OTHR 0000 0090536 February 1, 2001 A Partnership for Innovations in Nanocomposites Technology. 0090536 Jeelani This award is to Tuskegee University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are Tuskegee University; Auburn University; Nanotek Instruments; Advanced Composites Technologies and Associates (ACTA). Proposed Activities Nanotek will supply nano particles and fibers. Auburn University will develop process technology and microstructural characterization of the materials. Tuskegee University will incorporate the fibers and particles into composites and characterize the materials performance. ACTA will assist Tuskegee and fabricate isogrid cylinders through filament winding. The sole use for these cylinders at this time is for space applications via NASA. Proposed Innovation The proposed innovation is development and commercialization of high tech nano composites for isogrid cylinders for space applications. Potential Economic Impact The Space industry is the sole market at the moment. However, there are other potential applications if the current partners expand their vision and mix of partners. Potential Societal Impact The lead institution is a historically african-american institution. Involvement in the economic enterprise would have a good impact, especially if the partners pursue other potential applications. Increasing the number of african-american scientists and engineers with graduate degrees will be a major outcome. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES URBAN SYSTEMIC PROGRAM DMR SHORT TERM SUPPORT PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI MATERIALS AND SURFACE ENG OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY AC IIP ENG Jeelani, Shaik Hassan Mahfuz Derrick Dean Tuskegee University AL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 612072 9150 7347 1712 1662 1633 1253 SMET OTHR 9177 0000 0090556 February 1, 2001 Advanced Materials for PEM-based Fuel Cell Systems. 0090556 McGrath This award is to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Virginia Commonwealth University; Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS); Acadia Elastomers; United Technologies; ChemFab; Dais Analytic; BPAmoco; Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL); Grambling University; Hampton University. Proposed Activities The activities in this award are systems engineering analysis of membrane electrode assembly of fuel cell stacks; predictive modeling of materials durability; synthesis and characterization of new polymers for electrodes; summer intern education programs; modeling and reliability testing; scale-up from materials, models, processing to prototype; technology transfer to industrial partners; commercialization. Proposed Innovation Fuel cells have been in existence for over one hundred years, but they are not economical or reliable enough for commercialization. Materials that operate at higher temperatures and increased efficiency for thousands of hours are needed. Reliability modeling and lifetime prediction models are being investigated. This will allow expansion of the technology to other systems. Once fuel cells become economically competitive, the potential commercialization is enormous. Quiet, clean, reliable, mobile power generation will have a huge range of applications with a large potential economic market. Potential Economic Impact Fuel cells have potential for clean generation of electrical power, but the materials available currently are not adequate for reliable, long-life high temperature economic operation. Inclusion of under-represented minorities in graduate programs is important. Long-term sustainability is assured if economic, reliable fuel cells can be made. Potential Societal Impact Two of the partners are historically african-american colleges. An increase in the number of african-american scientists and engineers with graduate degrees would be a major outcome. Clean generation of electrical power would be a major societal impact. PROJECTS DMR SHORT TERM SUPPORT PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI OFFICE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY AC IIP ENG McGrath, James Kenneth Reifsnider Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VA Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 649965 1978 1712 1662 1253 OTHR 9251 0000 0090559 February 1, 2001 AzPATH-A Partnership for Housing Innovation in Arizona. 0090559 Bashford This award is to Arizona State University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners are Arizona State University; Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing; Home Building Association in Central Arizona; Del Webb Corporation; Pulte Homes; Eagle Homes; Trend Homes; Maracay Homes; Gateway Community College. Proposed Activities The partners are doing the following: identification of challenges faced by home builders where technology could change the process significantly; identification of technologies to address the challenges; research on new materials, products, and processes (especially where manufacturing can lower cost and increase quality); modeling and simulation of home construction; develop prototypes and work techniques to apply them; education/training of a workforce to use the new building technology developed. Proposed Innovation Housing is the industry that missed the innovation revolution in America. The industry is mature and extremely fragmented, making innovation very difficult. The proposed innovation activities include research and a management plan to incorporate new materials, manufacturing practice with obvious economic and quality control benefits, training of skilled craftsmen, energy savings, and modification of building codes could modernize the house construction industry with enormous savings for the US economy. Potential Economic Impact The following economic impacts are likely: improve durability and reduce maintenance costs for new homes by 50% by 2010; reduce cost of new homes by 20% by 2010; reduce energy costs by 50%; increased safety of construction workers. The housing industry is a huge driver in the national economy. Potential Societal Impact Active recruitment of Hispanics through chamber of commerce activities and Gateway Community College will help provide opportunity for this group to participate in the program. Affordable and maintainable housing will provide obvious benefits to all Americans, especially Americans who can afford custom homes. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI STRUCTURAL MATERIALS AND MECH IIP ENG Bashford, Howard Peter Crouch Kenneth Walsh Anil Sawhney Arizona State University AZ Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 600000 1662 1635 OTHR 0000 0090569 October 1, 2000 Upstate Alliance for Innovation. 0090569 Boyd This award is to the Rochester Institute of Technology to support the activity described below for 27 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for the award include Rochester Institute of Technology; the City of Buffalo; the City of Rochester; High Tech of Rochester; IP.com; State University of New York at Buffalo; University of Rochester; Western New York Technology Development Center. Proposed Activities The activities of this award include creation of an infrastructure for commercialization; creation of business start-ups; encouragement of academic patenting; establishment of regional practices to foster innovation; training of entrepreneurial experts who understand intellectual property, formulation of business start-up models; and development of community economic development resources; establishment of the infrastructure to connect university researchers, administrators, technology transfer offices, business builders, and venture capitalists to enable the innovation process. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals are to build the infrastructure to enable innovation connecting the universities to all of the other key elements in the innovation process; to train leaders in innovation; to start new businesses to create regional wealth. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcomes include increased patents and business start-ups (10-15 new ones); increased collaborative research; assessment of invention potential; education on intellectual property. Proposed Societal Impact Potential benefits to society include creation of new jobs and new regional business; involvement of under-represented groups in leadership positions in the economic enterprise of the region. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Boyd, Donald Mark Coburn Marjorie Zack Jerry McGuire Rochester Institute of Tech NY Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 643874 1662 OTHR 0000 0090578 October 1, 2000 The Kansas City Regional Innovation Alliance. 0090578 MacQuarrie This award is to the University of Missouri Kansas City to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include the University of Missouri Kansas City; University of Kansas Medical Center Research Institute; Kansas City Life Sciences Institute; University of Missouri Columbia; Midwest Research Institute; Center for Business innovation. Proposed Activities The activities in this award include training scientists, business people and graduate students in technology-based entrepreneurship; developing and implementing a system for identifying and evaluating new discoveries and technologies that may have commercial value; developing a supporting infrastructure to foster and sustain innovation; commercialization. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals include education of scientists, businesspeople, and graduate students in technology-based entrepreneurship and creation of a regional partnership for innovation that enables transformation of knowledge in life sciences into innovations that create new wealth. A system to identify ideas that have commercial potential will be developed. A supporting infrastructure to foster and sustain innovation to commercialization will also be developed. Potential Economic Impact Education of personnel plus technology transfer that might lead to economic activity will have significant economic impacts. Proposed Societal Impact Innovations that benefit health care will result. Training of personnel for high tech jobs in the health care industry and new jobs in the health care industry will result. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG MacQuarrie, Ronald David Bodde Thomas Sharpe University of Missouri-Kansas City MO Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0090582 February 1, 2001 Rapid Product Development in International Production. 0090582 Chen This award is to the University of Texas Pan American to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include the University of Texas Pan American; Michigan State University; Instituto Technologico Y De Estudios Superiores de Monterrey; General Electric Engine Services; Bissell; TRW; Automation Tooling Systems; Alpine Electronics. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include a University/Industry/Economic Development Partnership to facilitate the process of taking academic research into product design and development. The target region is the US/Mexico border near Brownsville, Texas (predominantly Hispanic population with high unemployment-up to 20%), which is rapidly evolving from agriculture to industry. The program provides internship for students in industry for design projects, virtual international design teams, technical support for small and medium businesses, experience and expertise in rapid product development, interdisciplinary teams (computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering), and experience for students in a global environment. Another goal is promotion of economic development in an impoverished region with a large under-represented minority population. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for this award include integration of university research and education to provide technical assistance for small and medium industry, education of a technologically literate workforce at the university level to enable innovation, creation of new industries, creation of new jobs, providing economic well-being in an impoverished region Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcomes include producing graduate engineers with experience in rapid product development in an international setting; creation of new industries and new jobs; providing technical assistance to small and medium companies. Potential Societal Impact This activity has the following potential benefits to society: economic wealth, jobs and workforce training to increase wages in an impoverished region, increased participation of Hispanic persons in the economic enterprise. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI ENGINEERING DESIGN AND INNOVAT IIP ENG Villarreal, John Miguel Gonzalez University of Texas - Pan American TX Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 589216 1662 1464 OTHR 0000 0090595 February 1, 2001 North Carolina Technology Development Initiative: A Novel Approach to Assess, Disseminate and Test a University/Venture Capital/Incubator Partnership Model. 0090595 Lea This award is to the University of North Carolina System to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include the University of North Carolina System; Centennial Venture Partners Fund; Longleaf Venture Fund; NC Technological Development Authority; NC Biotechnology Center; Research Triangle Institute; NC Board of Science and Technology; NC Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology; NC Economic Development Regions. Proposed Activities This award has the following activities: education; invention prospecting; technology assessment; intellectual property management; business development planning and fundability assessment; license negotiations; venture capital networking; strategic planning for involving the entire University of North Carolina system. Proposed Innovation The proposed activities will study technology transfer in a multi-institutional setting to develop models for improved tech transfer methods. It will involve characterization of successful technology transfer, develop a training program to facilitate faculty understanding of technology transfer, enhance innovation, develop a model to optimize the capability of each campus type to work with the state's science and technology infrastructure to manage intellectual property for the economic development of the state. Potential Economic Impact General increase in economic well being in North Carolina plus more involvement of the University of North Carolina System in the innovation process will occur. Potential Societal Impact Potential societal impacts include more economic growth for the region; jobs for university graduates; higher salaries for the underdeveloped regions of the state. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG lea, russ University of North Carolina General Administration Office NC Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 535766 1662 OTHR 0000 0090596 February 1, 2001 INNOVATION INCUBATOR: Flaming the Sparks of Creativity. 0090596 Loewer This award is to the University of Arkansas to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners in this award include the University of Arkansas; several venture capitalists; Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. Proposed Activities The activities in this award are creation of business start-ups at the campus incubator; advancing discovery and education in microelectronics and photonics; technology transfer; providing technical and business expertise to start-up companies. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals include providing the infrastructure to fill the gap between university research and commercialization in the form of an on-campus incubator in nano and microelectronics and photonics, and education of students in entrepreneurial activities. Potential Economic Impact The potentials economic impacts include increased success for small start-up ventures because of nurturing of small companies by faculty expertise; a workforce trained in entrepreneurial activities; an active partnership between the schools of engineering and business. The number of small businesses and jobs in the region will increase. Potential Societal Impact Small firms will be able to utilize the resources of the university including space, facilities, faculty and students. The workforce in the region will become technologically literate and have more jobs available for their skills. The number of african-american graduates in science and engineering will increase. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI INTEGRATIVE SYSTEMS IIP ENG Loewer, Otto Gregory Salamo Ken Vickers John Ahlen University of Arkansas AR Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 499657 1662 1519 OTHR 0000 0090616 February 1, 2001 Caltech Entrepreneurial Fellows Program. 0090616 Murray This award is to California Institute of Technology to support the activity described below for 30 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners Partners for the partnership include California Institute of Technology; Art Center College of Design; State government through Business Technology Center incubator; private industry. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include creation of post-degree entrepreneurial fellowships with the goal of preparing students previously trained in science or design to adapt their skills to the development of commercial products in the start-up environment; training in entreperneurialship (business plan, develop engineering prototypes; financial sources, etc); industrial partner mentor program. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for the award include education of entrepreneurial leaders who have primary graduate and post-graduate education in science and engineering; formation of start-up high tech companies; development of educational modules for entrepreneurial courses for export to other universities. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic outcomes include teaching modules for export to other schools; spin-off companies; network of entrepreneurs and industry partners; graduates in science and technology with entrepreneurial training for leadership roles in the private sector. Potential Societal Impact The major benefit to society from this award will be the creation of high tech jobs and an education methodology for training future leaders in an innovative society. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI ENGINEERING EDUCATION IIP ENG Murray, Richard John Ledyard Kenneth Pickar California Institute of Technology CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 597246 1662 1340 OTHR 0000 0090635 October 1, 2000 Farm and Ornamental Fish. 0090635 Hatch This award is to the University of Idaho to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include the University of Idaho; Clear Springs Food; Rangan Feeds; SeaPac; Fish Breeders of Idaho; Tribal Fish Commission; US Fish and Wildlife Service; Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Boise State University; Idaho State University; Washington State University; University of Idaho at Hagerman. Proposed Activities The activities include research on aquaculture; development of broodstock for specific aquaculture needs; development of feeds that meet requirements of environmental protection and aquaculture; technology transfer; education and training in biology, nutrition, genetics. Proposed Innovation The collaborating representatives involving scientists from universities, native American tribes, industry, and government all associated independently with different aquaculture affiliated programs or products will bring the components that supply, produce manage, regulate, and market fish, fish feeds, and recreation to resolve the problems facing aquaculture to create an expanded industry. Potential Economic Impact Fish products account for $11B in the US trade deficit (the US imports 65% of the annual fish food consumption). The world supply of fish products is limited, requiring aquaculture to meet the growing demand. Environmental concerns over wastes from current aquaculture will be costly and will need addressing. Sport fishing and fish for aquarium hobbyists also have a large economic base that can benefit from the results of this innovation activity. Potential Societal Impact Increased capacity to provide fish as a foodstuff will require aquaculture for an increasing societal demand. Clean water from the "waste" products from the aquaculture industry will have environmental impact. Sport fishing for recreation is another societal benefit. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Hatch, Charles Ernest Brannon Ronald Hardy Madison Powell University of Idaho ID Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 564709 1662 OTHR 9150 0000 0090959 February 1, 2001 Synergistic Electronic Commerce (SynreCom) Partnership for Innovation. 0090959 Sera This award is to Texas A&M University to support the activity described below for 24 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners for this award include Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service; Edgewood ISD, San Antonio School District; Our Lady of the Lake University; TEKSA Innovations Corporation; San Antonio Day Care Providers. Proposed Activities The award supports the following activities: formation of minority-lead entrepreneurial teams to form and assist small businesses; provide e-commerce capability for small business; job training (computer training) for at-risk students; provide business management tools, including incubation support, to small minority-owned small businesses. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals of this award include formation of minority-led entrepreneurial teams to assist formation and growth of small business in the San Antonio area; enablement of economic growth by providing e-commerce capability of small businesses, especially minority owned businesses; providing incubator services where needed; providing workforce training for at-risk under-represented groups and providing job opportunities for them in small companies. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic benefits from this award includes a wide range of outcomes, such as job training and job placement for under-represented, at-risk of poverty groups by creation of new business and new jobs. Potential Societal Impact The potential benefits to society include education and training for at-risk under-represented minorities; creation of business opportunities for minority-owned small businesses; creation of new employment opportunities for minorities. THEORY OF COMPUTING PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Sera, Gary George Bennett Texas Engineering Extension Service TX Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 598347 2860 1662 OTHR 0000 0090978 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Semi-Automatically Constructing Wrappers to Access Internet-Based Information Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on developing technology for semi-automatically creating wrappers that extract data from semi-structured web pages. The key innovation is a bootstrapping method for wrapper generation, so that experience in wrapping previous sites can be automatically re-used to minimize the effort required to wrap new sites. The proposed technology will make it practical to create thousands of highly accurate wrappers almost completely automatically, creating new opportunities for web-based information integration. The proposed technology will enable Fetch Technologies to scale our current wrapper generation technology far beyond what his now practical. Thousands of Internet services create value for their users by aggregating and integrating information from Internet sources. The proposed technology will make these types of services radically simpler to implement. Applications include portal sites, comparison shopping services, auction sites, finance integration, and competitive intelligence-gathering services. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Minton, Steven FETCH TECHNOLOGIES CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 748368 5373 HPCC 9216 0522400 Information Systems 0091356 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Understanding 'Construction/Deconstruction' and the Role of Resistance in Accelerated Learning. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the need to improve the success rate at which new technologies can be introduced into the workplace. A methodology and service, ATTAIN(TM), has been conceived to accelerate the integration of technology by rapidly and aggressively identifying critical processes and practices in the organization and shifting them in value-added ways at the level of worker cognition and operational specifics. This method has been shown to be highly successful, but is labor intensive, expensive, and requires highly skilled practitioners. Furthermore, the method upon which ATTAIN is based is not sufficiently targeted. That is, more often than not, businesses have only 3-4 workplace processes or practices that need to be changed in order to increase the company's competitiveness. The original method does not single these out as more important than other elements of the workplace. To date, increasing the effective incorporation of new technology by changing workplace practice and worker cognition through specialized simulation training, but not at identifying the most appropriate target for the technology implementation or change has been very successful. The work of Phase II will involve integrating the current methods with those of another company. Their method has been shown to identify the "vital few" practices that mitigate a company's overall competitive survival and which are the most appropriate targets for change. Phase II has two goals. First, a hybrid method that is quicker and more targeted will be developed. Second, a practitioner training approach and supporting materials that make it possible for professionals without extensive experience to deliver the method in a high quality manner will be developed. Training and licensing practitioners in a hybrid method of workplace learning will contribute significantly to the problem of efficient and successful technology integration and implementation of new technologies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG DiBello, Lia Workplace Technologies Research Inc. NY Ian M. Bennett Standard Grant 679647 5373 1666 SMET 9179 9102 6850 0105000 Manpower & Training 0091357 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: A Universal Protein Interaction Biosensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is focused on developing nanotechnology reagents and tools for the emerging field of proteomics. The technology is modular. This means that universal reagents are produced to which an end-user can, in a simple step, attach any protein or antibody for a variety of biological assays. The detection technology under development is electronic. Electronic detection can be readily multiplexed for high throughput assays. Large numbers of experiments can be simultaneously analyzed, over short periods of time, using state of the art electronics techniques like time-division multiplexing. Since the output of the technology is electronic, massive data sets can be directly transferred to bioinformatics systems for automated analysis and storage. The technology uses cheap off the shelf components coupled with proprietary state of the art, nanotechnology reagents. The speed and multiplexing capabilities of the technology make it orders of magnitude less expensive than existing or competing technologies. The technology will be tailored to the special needs of proteomics: the study of the function of the gene products, proteins. With the sequencing of the human genome nearing completion, the need for tools to facilitate the study of proteomics is a high priority near-term application. Pharmaceutical companies would use this technology to identify families of proteins that are implicated in disease and construct databases that define networks of interacting proteins to determine points of intervention and potential drug targets. End-users will prefer to use the proposed technology because it will be more cost effective, sensitive, faster and flexible enough to adapted to many user applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bamdad, Cynthia ROSENTIEL MEL SCOTT 029 MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 498751 5373 BIOT 9184 9102 1108 0203000 Health 0091359 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: An Intelligent Three-Dimensional (3D) Mosaic Tool for Multiple 3D Images Integration. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program investigates a novel software tool for integrating multiple 3D images. Three-dimensional (3D) modeling of physical objects and environment is an essential part of the challenges for many multimedia tasks. However, most physical objects self occlude, and no single view 3D image suffices to describe the entire surface of a 3D object. Multiple 3D images of the same object or scene from various viewpoints have to be taken and integrated in order to obtain a complete 3D model of the 3D object or scene. This process is called the "3D mosaic". The primary objective of this SBIR effort is to develop a fully automatic and intelligent software tool that is able to mosaic (i.e., align and merge) multiple 3D images of the same object taken from different viewpoints, without a priori knowledge of camera positions. The main innovations of this proposed effort are threefold: (1) an intelligent alignment method that is able to register multiple un-calibrated 3D images without needing any priori knowledge of camera location and orientation; (2) a seamless merge method to "stitch" together the aligned 3D images using the fuzzy logic principle; and (3) an intelligent 3D image compression algorithm that preserves 3D image geometric features while achieving high compression ratio. The 3D Mosaic technique to be developed under this SBIR program has enormous commercial applications, including industrial design and prototyping, reverse engineering, manufacturing part inspection, part replacement and repair, animation, entertainment, 3D modeling for WWW documents, archiving, virtual reality environment, education, virtual museum, commercial on-line catalogues, etc. It will become an important part of future 3D TV technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zhuang, Ping GENEX TECHNOLOGIES INC MD Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9139 0108000 Software Development 0091369 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Reactive Nanoparticles as Destructive Adsorbents. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development and optimization of a continuous, easily scalable and economical synthesis of reactive nanoparticles (RNPs); characterization and control of physical and chemical properties of these materials; development of flexible synthesis approaches for production of complex nanoparticle metal oxides; and identification and establishment of quality control procedures. This effort is critically needed in order to develop commercially viable nanomaterials for applications in both civilian and military markets. As demonstrated during the Phase I research, nanomaterials, produced using the proprietary continuous process, possess the same chemical and physical properties as those prepared in a batchwise mode. The research is broad and spans a number of significant markets including decontamination technologies for military and civilian applications, improved catalysts and catalytic supports, industrial gas scrubbing, and active ingredients for high efficiency air and water purification systems. Each of these market applications represents an initial subset of the market opportunities for these highly reactive nanomaterials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Klabunde, Kenneth NANOSCALE MATERIALS INC KS Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 749865 5373 AMPP 9165 9150 1415 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091378 January 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Phase Locking of High Power Fiber Laser Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is aimed at achieving the first ever 350W (cw) output power in a high brightness and diffraction-limited laser beam from a multicore phase-locked fiber laser array. Under Phase I, the feasibility of the unique power combining concept has been demonstrated by phase-locking a group of 7 Yb-doped single mode fiber lasers, embedded in a common cladding. In addition, a theoretical model has been developed, providing a deeper understanding of physical mechanisms responsible for phase-locking of a multicore fiber laser array. These results clearly indicate that this extremely challenging goal for Phase II can be accomplished. Nevertheless, there remain several obstacles that need to be removed before embarking on commercialization. First, a significant improvement of the laser performance must be made. This can be accomplished by exploring various parameters, which include fiber length, cavity finesse, gain saturation, temperature and stress distributions, as well as fiber structural parameters, such as core separation and the V-value. In addition, an order of magnitude improvement for efficient coupling of pump power into the clad must be made. To advance this technology, various pumping techniques will be explored, in particular the side-pumping of the fiber laser from the cladding walls, instead of the fiber end facets. If successfully developed, this could be the most viable way to obtain the maximum output power without causing catastrophic damage. Finally, the reliability of the device when operating at very high power level must be established by raising the power damaging threshold. High power diode-pumped multicore fiber lasers can be very competitive in the market place as compared to high power diode-pumped solid-state lasers and C02 lasers presently employed by automotive, aerospace and ship-building industries for precision drilling, high-speed cutting and welding of metals and composition materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cheo, Peter P C PHOTONICS CORPORATION CT Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 749987 5373 AMPP 9165 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091388 March 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Low Cost, Nano-Crystalline Sensors, for Real-Time Monitoring of Carbon Monoxide and Volatile Organic Compounds. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop a fully functional, cost-effective, prototype sensor for carbon monoxide and volatile organic contaminants in air. Phase I results suggest that a sensor array based on catalyst-doped, nano-crystalline metal oxide films will provide a marked improvement in detection of contaminants, such as formaldehyde, and thereby upgrade control of indoor air quality. Phase II will develop this sensor technology with objectives of long-term use, low cost, high sensitivity, and sufficient selectivity for commercial applications. These applications include indoor air quality monitoring, environmental air monitoring, oil refining, chemical manufacturing, automotive emission control systems, and industrial process STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Smilanich, Nicholas Chung-Chiun Liu SENSOR DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 504908 1505 MANU 9251 9178 9148 9147 0110000 Technology Transfer 0118000 Pollution Control 0091412 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Web-Based Urn Sampler and Statistical Authoring Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will create web-based courseware featuring software (the "Urn Sampler") built around the simulation/resampling method in statistics which focuses on the process of formulating a statistical test. This courseware will also feature a statistics text (Statistics: Making Sense of Data by Stout, Marden and Travers), self-assessment tools, a "Virtual Professor" help system, a "Virtual Statistics Consulting Lab," and entry-level spreadsheet-based statistical software. The target market is students in introductory statistics courses, who will purchase the product just as they now purchase texts. The courseware aims to leverage the latest and most standard web technologies that are anticipated to be in place at the conclusion of the project's development phase. The plan combines the power of a web-based structure with the new resampling techniques to create a unique learning environment for statistics students. The Urn Sampler will be an open and flexible lab tool that will let teachers create exercises to supplement class lectures and other course materials. It will make it easy to teach the new compute-intensive resampling methods that have proven successful in teaching statistical inference. It addresses a diverse audience, including undergraduate and graduate students taking a required course in quantitative reasoning or statistics, students taking an undergraduate major or minor in statistics, and graduate students studying statistics and continuing education students. Additional product sales will come through purchases of parts of the web product by students whose instructors have adopted a text other than the Stout, et al. text. RESEARCH ON LEARNING & EDUCATI IIP ENG Bruce, Peter CYTEL SOFTWARE CORP INC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 494973 1666 SMET 9178 7400 7256 0104000 Information Systems 0108000 Software Development 0091432 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: In Situ Remediation of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) Using Bioaugmentation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project is designed to develop and demonstrate a new in situ treatment technology for the destruction of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in groundwater. The gasoline additive MTBE is the second most prevalent groundwater contaminant in the United States, and there are currently no economical technologies for its removal from the water supply. This technology utilizes a novel bacterium of the species Hydrogenophaga flava (ENV735) for the remediation of MTBE. This bacterium, which was recently isolated by Envirogen scientists, is one of only two bacterial strains discovered that are capable of growth on MTBE. Phase II experiments will be conducted to: (1) assess the movement and distribution of the bacterium in the subsurface; (2) develop an adhesion-deficient strain for improved aquifer distribution; and (3) optimize commercial-scale growth, shipment, and injection of the bacterium for field application. A field demonstration will be conducted to fully test the technology under in situ conditions. The bioaugmentation with ENV735 has broad potential as an in situ remediation technology for MTBE-contaminated aquifers. If the results of the field trial are positive, commercialization of the bioaugmentation technology is anticipated in the short term. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Hatzinger, Paul Envirogen, Inc. NJ Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 495582 5373 EGCH 9198 0313000 Regional & Environmental 0091446 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Combinatorial Synthesis of Electrocatalysts for Ozone Production. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project describes an innovative combinatorial approach to the discovery of new electrocatalysts for electrochemical ozone generation. Ozone is increasingly being used in water treatment, as a sanitizing agent in the food industry and is preferred over chlorine and its derivatives. Electrochemical ozone generation, where ozone is generated by electrolysis of water, can potentially offer several cost and process advantages over the conventional electrical discharge methods of ozone generation. However, existing methods for generating ozone electrochemically use electrodes, which offer low Faradaic (i.e., current) efficiencies and have limited materials stability. In Phase I, ozone electrocatalysts were screened using a combinatorial approach, and two novel electrocatalysts for ozone formation were identified. A new rapid screening approach was also devised and will be used to evaluate focussed combinatorial arrays in Phase II. Phase II will identify the precise stoichiometries of the new ozone electrocatalysts using the techniques pioneered in Phase I. The catalysts will then be synthesized on a macro scale and evaluated in ozone cells using existing ozone electrocatalysts as a benchmark. The catalysts identified during this project will enable a more cost-effective generation of ozone with applications in municipal water treatment, point-of-entry and point-of-use water treatment, food sanitation, medical waste treatment and medical sterilization. Ozone could also be utilized in the chemical industry as a replacement for chlorine in a variety of processes, e.g. paper and pulp bleaching. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Tennakoon, Charles Lynntech, Inc TX Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 578564 5373 AMPP 9165 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091447 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Internet Based Remote Seismic Depth Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a seismic processing system that enables the delivery of leading-edge seismic services over the Internet and Intranets. Internet-based seismic processing (INSP) enables exploration companies to directly control their critical seismic imaging projects, without the need of purchasing and maintaining expensive hardware and software. INSP is a complete processing system that includes a client-based Java GUI, and server-based processing and database modules. The computationally intensive modules run on shared-memory parallel computers and Linux clusters. Phase I implemented the essential functionalities for a useful product, demonstrated concept feasibility, and laid the groundwork for the Phase II project. Phase II will add functionality to the product, and implement all security and data management aspects necessary for Internet deployment. INSP ushers in a paradigm shift for the upstream oil and gas industry. Commercial potential is significant because INSP makes digital information and compute-intensive technology accessible to a large client base that wishes to outsource its non-core competencies to an application service provider, while maintaining control of projects. INSP greatly increases interaction between the client and contractor, thereby increasing the quality of the final seismic image, and reducing exploration and development cost. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bevc, Dimitri 3DGEO DEVELOPMENT INC CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 750000 5373 CVIS 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0091448 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Instrument for Tumor Cell Purging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project describes a novel laser-based technology for large-scale analysis and processing of living cells. One application of this technology is the detection and elimination of contaminating tumor cells from autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplants for cancer patients. Published studies have shown that: (1) contaminating tumor cells contribute to cancer relapse; (2) successful tumor purging provides a clinical benefit; and (3) current purging methods are inadequate. Therefore, technology that reliably eliminates tumor cells from transplants, while leaving HSCs undamaged, is needed. A patented innovative approach integrating fluorescence scanning cytometry, real-time image analysis, and specific laser-induced killing of individual cell targets will be used. The Phase II project will complete the clinical-scale prototype instrument, leading into clinical trials. The instrument design will then be configured for successful commercial manufacturing, and further improvements in capabilities will be pursued in order to maintain market leadership and expand into other markets. The studies conducted in the Phase II project will lead to commercialization of a method to eliminate detectable tumor cells from an HSC transplant with a several hour automated procedure. The resulting instrumentation will also be useful in a number of other clinical and research applications that require cell analysis and purification with high purity, yield and speed. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Koller, Manfred Cyntellect, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 511982 5373 BIOT 9251 9181 9178 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091451 January 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: An Imaging Sensor for Measuring and Controlling the Particle Conditions in Thermal Sprays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a short-exposure imaging sensor for measuring and controlling particle temperature and velocity of thermal sprays. Thermal spray is a rapidly growing element of the metals processing industry, which needs process control. Currently, there are no direct particle condition controls, for lack of a sensor to provide real-time measurements. This imaging sensor technology will continuously view the entire particle stream, utilize the entire emission across the spectral range of the sensor, and employ fast image processing algorithms to obtain on-line measurements. Phase II will develop a sensor response model, hardware and software design, and prototype sensors will be constructed and calibration tested. These sensors will be incorporated in process control systems and operated in an industrial environment. Thermal spray technology is changing and improving the way high quality metal parts are manufactured for the automotive, aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment industries. Sensor and thermal spray controls will provide new levels of cost efficiency and consistency to challenges in material processing, namely thermal, wear and corrosion, by coating the surface with metals and ceramics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Craig, James Stratonics Inc CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 484747 5373 MANU AMPP 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091452 March 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Imaging Subsurface Fluid Flow with Time-Lapse Seismic Data. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project concerns the development and implementation of seismic imaging and inversion methods and parallel computer algorithms to estimate subsurface fluid-flow properties from time-lapse seismic data. In recent years, there has been exponential growth in time-lapse seismology project activity. These projects have yielded seismic difference anomalies that result from monitoring time-variant changes in the earth's subsurface related to fluid flow. However, such anomalies are often qualitative and ambiguous--what causes the anomalies, and what do they mean? The proposed Phase II research will enable the capability to make quantitative estimates of the 3D distribution of subsurface fluid pressure and fluid saturation changes that cause the seismic anomalies, using wave-equation seismic imaging and inversion techniques, coupled with rock physics analysis. The research consists of three parts: optimized parallel software and computational design, amplitude preserved seismic imaging and impedance inversion, and robust rock physics inversion to estimate pressure and saturation. The software and services generated by this Phase II research will be invaluable to help guide new wells and optimize reservoir management decisions in the 70+ oilfields world-wide that are being actively monitored with time-lapse seismic data. Near-term commercial applications of the proposed research include petroleum industry mapping and monitoring of commercial oil reserves, monitoring of costly injected fluids (water, steam, CO2, miscible gas), and imaging pressure compartmentalization and the leaking or sealing properties of faults and fractures. Non-petroleum applications may include monitoring groundwater reserves, near-surface monitoring of contaminant plumes and environmental clean-up projects. Potential far-market applications may include sub-sea acoustic imaging, synthetic aperture radar satellite imaging, and medical imaging. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lumley, David Fourth Wave Imaging Corporation CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 462777 5373 HPCC EGCH 9215 9189 1266 0313040 Water Pollution 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0091454 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Electric Field Probe for High-Speed Integrated Circuits and Semiconductor Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a prototype high speed, non-invasive, optical probe for electric fields, and hence waveforms, in semiconductor devices. The technique is designed to work on any semiconductor regardless of its crystal structure and can be used for both imaging and single point detection without degradation of temporal resolution. Because the technique is optically based, no parasitic capacitance is added to the device being measured. A femtosecond laser probes the device to be measured, and temporal resolution is several orders of magnitude faster than the time resolution required to probe present devices. Bandwidths of greater than 10 terahertz should be possible. This non-invasive probe technique will be applied to silicon-based devices. In their production and testing in the semiconductor industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kane, Daniel Southwest Sciences Inc NM Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 500000 5373 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0091492 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Microphase Separated Solid Polymer Electrolytes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop novel nano-structured solvent free polymer electrolytes for solid state Li-ion batteries. The important characteristics of these electrolytes are that they are of high ionic conductivity and have excellent mechanical strength. The combination of these properties results from an ordered structure on the nanometer scale, consisting of a co-continuous network of an epoxy scaffold and a polymer electrolyte. This unique structure is obtained by self-assembly during curing of the epoxy in the presence of a partially emersiable block copolymer containing the ion-conducting phase. Polymer electrolyte batteries based on the new electrolytes promise great configuration flexibility in design and substantially increased energy density. The new polymer electrolytes will permit fabrication of high performance Li- ion batteries for use in portable consumer products such as cellular telephones, portable power tools, video cameras and laptop computers. Other applications include "dye sensitized solar cells", and electrochromic devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Peramunage, Dharmasena EIC Laboratories Inc MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU AMPP 9163 9146 1773 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091499 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Advanced Formal Techniques for Dependable Reactive Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop the automated tool support that will enable engineers to deploy powerful and mathematically rigorous, yet easy-to-use and cost-effective, techniques to model, analyze and implement correct and reliable reactive software systems. Such systems are intended to maintain an ongoing interaction with their environment in order to provide appropriate responses to stimuli the environment generates. Examples include the embedded software found in medical, automotive, aeronautical, consumer-electronic, e-commerce, and telecommunications applications. Many of these are safety- or business-critical. Providing an enabling technology for the cost-effective development of correctly functioning reactive systems would thus be of great social and economic benefit to the nation. The main tangible outcome of the proposed effort and the flagship product will be the React tool environment. React will allow reactive-system designers to create mathematical models of their systems; validate models via simulation and automatic verification; and automatically generate implementations or test suites from models. The key innovation of the proposed technology is its reliance on powerful formal techniques, developed by RSI for modeling systems and validating properties of these models in a fully automatic fashion. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sims, Steven REACTIVE SYSTEMS INC VA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 499890 5373 HPCC 9216 0108000 Software Development 0091507 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Multi-Wavelength Time-Resolved Laser Induced Fluorescence Detector. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will lead to a breakthrough in the use of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) for chromatographic detection. Commercial standalone LIF detectors are based on CW lasers and collect data at a fixed wavelength. Consequently, they add minimal capability for resolving complex mixtures beyond that inherent in the chromatographic separation itself. On-the-fly fluorescence lifetime measurements at a single emission wavelength have been proposed as a better way to resolve the signals of co-eluting species. Our approach is far more powerful because it provides lifetimes on-the-fly and at several wavelengths simultaneously. A new prism flow cell fiber optically coupled to the emission spectrograph was introduced in Phase I. In addition, two different algorithms strategies for analyzing the multi-dimensional fluorescence data were developed and demonstrated. In Phase II a diode-pumped laser will replace the flashlamp pumped excitation laser, thereby providing 100 times higher pulse repetition frequency, 10 times shorter pulse duration, and 10 times better shot-to-shot stability. New digitizer technology will be incorporated to accommodate the laser's high repetition frequency. Important Phase II activities include fluorescence methods development to extend the range of applications to drugs and drug metabolites and elaboration of the chemometric algorithms. The instrumental approach to be realized through the Phase II research will have a profound impact on QA/QC assessments of drug purity, bioequivalence and pharmacokinetic studies, and research investigations in humans and animals. Sales of several hundred units per year to pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract research organizations, and universities are anticipated. The technology will later be adapted for faster and more accurate DNA sequencing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Engebretson, Daniel DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 459780 5373 EGCH 9251 9231 9150 1317 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091510 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Auto-Tracking Using Trailing Templates and Skeletal Guides. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project continues research and development aimed at demonstrating the feasibility for automatic video tracking of the motion of animals and humans in unconstrained environments. The Phase I study succeeded by designing low-level intelligence into predictive search algorithms that were able to confine their search for the correct position in a succeeding image to specific, small regions predicted by the system. The objective is to create a software system, easily operable by an unsophisticated user that can quickly and accurately track multiple points or regions of a moving animal or human through a sequence of video images. This tracking can be done despite background clutter and intermittent occlusion, and without attaching any distinguishing markers to the subject. In Phase I, a user interface was designed that allowed the user to choose a 'skeletal template' to be tracked with a pointing device (a mouse) by selecting vertices of closed polygons and connected rotation points. By sensing the direction and speed of motion of the system, the model-based tracking algorithm told the search mechanism where it should look in the next image to match a 'trailing template' derived from previous locations and orientations of the template. In Phase II, more sophisticated modeling and prediction algorithms, including supervised learning of constructed models, and a pyramided coarse-to-fine scale-space, constructed at video load time, will be brought to bear that will increase speed and efficiency of the tracking algorithm and improve the robustness of the model-based approach. At the same time, the user interface will be redefined to improve the 'look and feel' and give it a more intuitive structure. Applications for this software have a ready market demand. Present commercial tracking technology of biological motion requires the placement of intrusive control targets at critical positions on the subject. The commercial need for tracking and characterizing general biological motion will be exploited, including tools for animal behavior analysis, and predicting and improving motion efficiency in athletes. In addition, this technology has applications in diagnostics and medicine/health applications, surveillance, and other uses ranging from NASA's space research, to ergonomic design, to the fingering of musical instruments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mostert, Paul Mostert Group KY Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 750000 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9150 9139 6840 0104000 Information Systems 0091512 February 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Integrated Water Quality Monitoring System. This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop optical sensors, called optrodes, and their systems for monitoring environmental water quality. Phase I research demonstrated the ability of optrodes to gather long-term environmental water quality data in harsh environments. Phase II technical issues are concerned with: (1) analyte specific probe chemistries; (2) optical coatings; and (3) optical configurations. With respect to systems, Phase I found lifetime phase-base measurement systems superior to traditional intensity-based systems. Phase II will develop an integrated phase-based analyzer capable of: (1) resolving dissolved oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide, acidity, and temperature; and (2) transmission by remote data telemetry. These innovations in optrode technology will: (1) improve mapping of geophysical fields; (2) substantially reduce direct labor costs associated with conventional monitoring technologies; (3) produce robust data for enhanced modeling capabilities; and (4) enable other technology for protecting natural resources. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Duncan, Paul AIRAK, INC VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 512000 1505 MANU EGCH 9251 9178 9147 9146 1325 1317 0110000 Technology Transfer 0118000 Pollution Control 0091513 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Suction Retention Smart Variable Geometry Sockets (SVGS) for Transtibial Prostheses. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will complete development of a production Smart Variable Geometry Socket (SVGS) for transtibial amputees (TTAs) and will test it with a clinical study. This non-electrical system is a simple means for ensuring and maintaining a good socket fit, with security and stability increased over the state of the art. Poorly fitting sockets, which cause pain and skin lesions, are responsible for a significant portion of TTAs rejecting a prosthesis. The SVGS/TT utilizes suction retention, which provides an important benefit, particularly to diabetics, by increasing blood circulation in the residual limb. The unique SVGS system consists of multiple, liquid-filled bladders placed by the prosthetist during socket fitting and a control for maintaining appropriate pressures on the residual limb at selected locations, all contained within the dimensions of a conventional prosthesis. The SVGS can be applied by the prosthetist with existing equipment and conventional art, thereby minimizing implementation cost. This attribute will enhance market acceptance. Phase I demonstrated feasibility; Phase II will measure efficacy and acceptance by TTAs. Phase II results will be the catalyst for successful commercialization. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Greenwald, Richard SIMBEX LLC NH F.C. Thomas Allnutt Standard Grant 805988 5373 BIOT 9251 9183 9178 7218 5342 0116000 Human Subjects 0203000 Health 0091519 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: X-ray Microscope. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is directed at improving the capabilities of high resolution x-ray imaging systems. The enabling technology in this approach is a novel x-ray detector formed from transparent scintillation crystals. A prototype developed in Phase I demonstrates a spatial resolution of six microns. This surpasses the resolution of commercial systems based on microfocus x-ray sources, and is 4-6 times better than current x-ray detectors. Based on these results it is anticipated that a resolution of 1-2 microns can be achieved in Phase II. If fully successful, the end result of Phase II will be a commercialized x-ray microscope with five to ten times the resolution of existing products. High-resolution x-ray imaging is used in many fields, including manufacturing, medicine, and scientific research. The product developed in Phase II will have better technical performance and be lower in cost that presently available systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Smith, Steven Spectrum San Diego, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 467678 5373 CVIS 1038 0512205 Xray & Electron Beam Lith 0091520 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Innovation of Real-Time, Integrative Computer Vision System for Accurate, Full-Field Characterization of Complex Component Response. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance full-field, three-dimensional image correlation measurement technology to a level far beyond the current state-of-the-art. The research will produce a prototype commercial measurement system that will present a cost effective solution to a wide range of deformation measurement problems. The four areas of research for this project are: system calibration, algorithm development, distributed computing and system validation. The completion of this project will result in an easy-to-use, real-time measurement system applicable to a wide range of size scales with high accuracy and a known level of uncertainty. The unique ability to simultaneously measure surface shape, displacement and strain with high accuracy meets industrial measurement demands in many areas. The method is ideally suited for structural evaluation, computer model verification, non-destructive testing, material property measurement and shape measurement. Among others, the technology has applications in the following industries: automotive industry, commercial aviation manufacturers, space vehicle manufacturers, academic research institutions, government laboratories, and the biomedical and electronic packaging industry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Echerer, Scott Alpha Manufacutring, Inc. SC Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 794000 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9178 9150 9146 9139 7218 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0091522 February 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: High Twisting Power Chiral Materials for Nanostructured Bragg Reflective Displays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project develops a new class of chiral materials, the dioxolanes, which provide unprecedented helical twisting power. When added to a nematic liquid crystal, a concentration of only a few percent is required to twist the nematic phase into a tight helix with a periodicity of the wavelength of light. Because of the low concentration, the chiral additive does not dilute important physical properties of the nematic material required to optimize Cholesteric displays for brightness, contrast, speed and low operating voltages. Being simple molecular structures, dioxolane derivatives can be synthesized in both left and right hand moieties to enable, for the first time, Cholesteric displays that nearly double the reflective brightness to where it approaches that which we are used to seeing from paper. Phase II research has both a basic and an applied component. The basic component studies the helical twisting power and its relationship to the molecular structure of the chiral compounds and host mixtures. The applied component uses this information to design and develop chiral additives for advanced Cholesteric displays for use in electronic books and other handheld devices. The chiral materials will be used in display products primarily used in handheld devices whee low power, sunlight readability, and wide angle viewing of high resolution, full color images are important. Devices targeted are electronic book, cell phones, pagers, etc. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Doane, J. William KENT DISPLAYS INC OH Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 509063 1505 MANU 9252 9178 9147 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091528 October 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Integrated Reactor Scale and Topography Feature Scale Simulator for Plasma Enhanced Semiconductor Processes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will provide a commercial software tool that integrates reactor scale, (pre)sheath transport, and feature scale models for comprehensive analysis of thermal chemical vapor deposition and low pressure plasma processes in integrated circuit fabrication. Phase II will focus on development of (pre)sheath models, a feature scale simulation tool, a charging model, and the supporting infrastructure in proprietary software, called CFD-ACE+, to integrate these models. (Pre)sheath models from Phase I will be enhanced to address additional common plasma reactor operating conditions. A feature scale simulator, based on the multi-physics models of the existing proprietary software and embedded in the reactor model, will be developed. The model for surface charging will be integrated with the (pre)sheath and sheath models for ion transport and the feature scale models. The software infrastructure will be extended to simplify the model definition steps common to all feature scale simulators. This tool will provide engineers in the semiconductor industry with a means to predict the effect of both reactor designs and process conditions on the size, shape, and quality of the device components they are producing. It will extend the CFD-ACE+ commercial reactor scale modeling software to interface properly with feature scale simulators. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cole, James CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 504465 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091549 March 15, 2001 STTR Phase II: High Speed Instrumentation for Real Time Biological Imaging. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project is to develop a new type of atomic force microscope that can image nanometer scale features, in real time, in the physiological environment. In all of its forms, the microscope is probably the most widely used tool in the investigation of biological structure and function. The introduction of the atomic force microscope (AFM) to biology created much excitement because the AFM fills a gap in the capabilities of the microscopes that are available to biologists. The study of living and moving biological systems, on time scales of seconds, with nanometer scale resolution, is becoming increasingly important in biological research. Self-assembled monolayers, proteins, and cellular processes all fall into this category. Existing AFMs fall short of the requirements for these applications because of speed and sensitivity limitations in fluid operation. The project is based on the AFM, for nanometer scale imaging of biological samples that is orders of magnitude faster than current AFMs. Additionally, the new system will be optimized for fluid operation in order to give researchers active control over imaging dynamics. This composite system will allow researchers to probe nanometer scale biological phenomena at speeds never before accessible. The technology could dramatically increase biological imaging in two ways: (1) faster imaging and (2) higher resolution in fluid. The increase in speed and resolution will help facilitate projects to provide faster results to researchers. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Minne, Stephen Calvin Quate NanoDevices, Inc CA George B. Vermont Standard Grant 479359 1505 MANU 9147 0110000 Technology Transfer 0091550 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Variable-Focal-Length Liquid Crystal Objective Lens. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is designed to develop and commercialize our electrically controllable, dynamic-focusing liquid crystal microlens/microlens array device for 3D optical media readout and writing. The device will be the worlds first compact, electrically controllable, dynamic focusing liquid crystal (LC) microlens reading/writing device for 3D data storage, and has the potential to revolutionize optical data storage and retrieval. The device will dramatically increase both the reading and writing speed of conventional CD/DVD systems and multi-layer DVDs and will be the enabling component in the next generation of truly 3D data storage technologies. In Phase I, the feasibility of the technology was demonstrated and tested various dynamic liquid crystal lens structures to gain an understanding of the issues of design, fabrication, and optical properties of LC microlenses. Building on this success, Phase II is dedicated to the optimization of the LC microlens structures and the development of a fast-switching dynamic focusing LC microlens with large variable focal length range and numerical aperture. Finally, a microlens array to develop parallel reading/writing devices will be designed and built. A prototype 3D reading device will be demonstrated. In Phase III, Reveo will commercialize the new technology. Optical storage offers higher capacities, removable platters, and more durable media than magnetic disk storage, but it is limited by slow access speeds and higher costs of drives and media. The first product to be developed from the microlens technology will be an electrically-controllable, dynamic-focusing liquid crystal microlens device for integration into the data reading system of current DVD players and other optical storage drivers. The device will maximize retrieval efficiency of current optical storage media so customers can immediately enjoy the benefits of 3D data storage technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lin, Jackie Reveo Incorporated NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 490600 5373 HPCC 9215 0510403 Engineering & Computer Science 0091551 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Ultraviolet-Polarizing Chiral Film. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is designed to develop and commercialize high-durability UV polarizer optics with unprecedented performance. The breakthrough polarizers are made from stacks of oriented, birefringent thin film layers, which are obtained by vacuum deposition at an oblique angle. The film material itself is optically isotropic, but the birefringence arises from the nanostructure of the layers in the film stack. Films can be constructed from a single material, relieving the conventional constraints on material transparency and enabling a wider operating wavelength range. Using LiF as the film material, for example, could extend the operating range down to 110 nm. Extension to the far UV and extreme UV appears possible with materials such as silicon carbide or boron carbide. The deposition technique thus offers an exciting opportunity to engineer unique film properties. In Phase II, the investigator proposes to enlarge the database of film materials for UV chiral film polarizers and design, fabricate (using a customized deposition system), and characterize UV chiral film polarizers for practical applications. The investigator will then develop high-speed deposition techniques to ensure the polarizers are low-cost. Commercialization activities will accelerate in Phase III. The inorganic UV polarizer films may have several advantages over conventional polarizer components, and become key devices in many important industrial manufacturing processes, including systems for chemical synthesis, drug development, and liquid crystal alignment for LCDs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fan, Bunsen Reveo Incorporated NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 499939 5373 AMPP 9163 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091557 April 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Microsphere-Based Optical Spectrum Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build upon the exciting results of Phase I, which demonstrated that whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances of a microsphere can be tuned over a significant range by sweeping the microsphere's temperature. It is intended to employ this effect to produce a temperature-tunable optical filter suitable for development of a next-generation optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) for remotely monitoring dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) networks. Such a device will greatly benefit the telecommunications industry by providing a means of embedded real-time monitoring of system operation and signal quality. This capability has the potential to virtually eliminate costly system failures. The plan for reaching the project goal is to develop a first-generation prototype and use this prototype to demonstrate the expected capabilities of a next-generation OSA. The initial application for the technology is as an embedded test and monitoring system for telecommunications fiber networks. The major customers are optical network installers and service providers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Roark, Joel NOMADICS, INC OK Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 628958 5373 AMPP 9165 9150 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091559 June 15, 2001 STTR Phase II: Nano-Layered Composites as High-Temperature Hard Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project aims to develop novel nano-layered coatings for high-temperature tribological applications, specifically cutting-tool coatings that perform well at elevated temperatures (up to 1000 degrees C). There is a high level of interest in these coatings because of the desire to cut at higher rates and due to increasing environmental concerns over the use of coolants during machining. Traditional coating materials do not perform well under these conditions, primarily because their hardnesses decrease rapidly as temperature rises. Research in Phase I developed a new class of coatings, combining many alternating nanometer-thick layers of metals and nitrides, which show substantial hardness enhancements. Hardnesses up to 44 gigapascals (GPa) were maintained after high temperature annealing, demonstrating the feasibility of these new materials as high-temperature stable coatings. Strong dislocation confinement in nano-layers is likely to yield higher high-temperature hardness than in monolithic coatings, providing improved wear resistance. In Phase II, nano-layered coatings will be developed that optimize key properties including hardness, thermal expansion match with the substrate, stability against dissolution into different workpieces, and oxidation resistance. Nano-layered coated cutting tools have the potential to make dry-cutting a practical alternative, and to improve wet-machining performance. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kim, Ilwon Anita Madan APPLIED THIN FILMS INC IL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 1505 MANU 9163 9147 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091563 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Ultra Low Hysteresis Giant-Magnetoresistive (GMR) Bridge Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop giant-magnetoresistive (GMR) sensing devices that yield superior hysteresis performance over existing bridge sensors and GMR signal isolators and provide intrinsic self-biasing without using affixed magnets or power consuming coils. Phase I demonstrated that edge pinning techniques can be used to fabricate low hysteresis push-pull and shielded bridge sensors with designed bias points. Before the technology can be commercialized, Phase II research must: (1) develop hard edge resistor elements that minimize hysteresis and maximize signal; (2) optimize hard edge processing and implementation; (3) determine the viability of alternate pinning strategies; (4) develop specification, architecture, and physical designs for prototype sensor or isolator products; (5) fabricate target devices; and (6) characterize devices for magnetic and electrical responses. A fully developed magnetic field sensor and/or signal isolator is expected, one that is ready for commercialization. Potential commercial applications are discrete low hysteresis bridge sensors and isolators, improved digital magnetic switches, and ultra-low field sensors employing integrated circuit (IC) based feedback amplifiers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Anderson, John NVE CORPORATION MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 729869 5373 CVIS 1038 0106000 Materials Research 0109000 Structural Technology 0091564 February 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Sub-Nanosecond Spin Dependent Tunneling Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop prototype Spin Dependent Tunneling (SDT) devices by combining high-speed magnetic thin films and low-RC SDT structures achieved in Phase I. These devices will be fabricated using standard microelectronic photolithography and packaging techniques, suitable for volume production. Sub-nanosecond switching will be demonstrated with these devices which are integrated with integrated circuit (IC) electronics. Fast IC electronics will be implemented using low voltage differential signaling (LVDS). SDT devices exhibit large signal, low switching field, and high resistance, which lead to high sensitivity, low power consumption, and small size and weight, when compared with giant magnetoresistive (GMR) devices. Fast SDT devices will require improvements in both magnetic speed and electronic speed, while existing attractive static properties need to be maintained. Phase II is expected to produce integrated SDT devices with state-of-the-art properties and switching time less than one nanosecond. Potential commercial applications for this research are expected in high-speed isolators, high-speed magnetic field and current sensing devices, fast magnetic random access memories (MRAM), reconfigurable magnetic logic, read heads, and gigahertz (GHz) inductor/transformers, as well as their derivative products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Wang, Dexin NVE CORPORATION MN Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 755966 5373 MANU AMPP 9251 9178 9163 9146 1771 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091570 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Monochromatic Micro X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Using Toroidal Crystal Optics. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will meet the demand from the microelectronics industry for an improved micro x-ray fluorescence instrument for thin film measurements. A new technique, monochromatic micro x-ray fluorescence (MMXRF) analysis using doubly curved crystal optics can meet this significant market need. A toroidal crystal can focus characteristic x-rays from a microfocus x-ray source based upon diffraction. The focused beam is monochromatic and the beam size is expected to be significantly smaller than that of current MXRF systems. This technique will provide high sensitivity and enhance excitation of low Z elements with the selection of beam energy. In addition, this technique will significantly increase the speed of high-energy x-ray measurements. A prototype MMXRF system will be developed that incorporates a modular dual beam system to probe samples with two energies simultaneously. The initial application of the technology is in the area of semiconductor manufacturing. As semiconductor manufacturing moves to larger wafers and higher levels of integration, a single wafer may require hundreds of steps. These wafers are expensive to produce and very difficult to repair. The instrument under development would provide elemental and thickness analysis to identify defective thin film deposition at the earliest opportunity, avoiding the considerable loss associated with rejections at the end of the production line. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chen, Zewu X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 496758 5373 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091572 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Computational Tool for Plasma Equipment Design Using a Non-Statistical Boltzmann Solver. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop, validate and demonstrate a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tool for plasma equipment/processes using a non-statistical Boltzmann solver for the analysis of charged particle kinetics. Phase I implemented a new Boltzmann module and clearly demonstrated the feasibility of coupling a Bolzmann solver to the company's plasma simulator for efficient kinetic description of low-pressure plasma reactors used in semiconductor manufacturing. The Phase II project will focus on: (1) the development of elliptic representation of the velocity distribution function (VDF) valid for arbitrary anisotropy of the VDF; (2) full integration of the Boltzmann solver with a commercial software; (3) kinetic simulations for industrial plasma systems; and (4) interfacing the Boltzmann module with plasma simulation codes developed by different research groups. Using an elliptic representation will extend the applicability of the Boltzmann solver to problems with arbitrary VDF anisotropy such as electron beams, ion kinetics, etc. The goal of Phase II will be to validate the new CAD tool for wide variety of plasma technologies and expand the software usage to new industries. The total commercial markets of plasma etch and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) equipment is currently in excess of $2 billion per annum with strong projections for growth. Commercial application of the proposed software tool will allow optimization of the performance of all hardware equipment of this market and to "smartly" design new equipment. It is projected to "save" millions of dollars of equipment and process development costs to Plasma Equipment Manufacturers and to semiconductor chip producing companies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kolobov, Vladimir CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 761212 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 9150 7218 1266 0512004 Analytical Procedures 0091576 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Smart Fiber Composite System Capable of Early Detection of Material Failure. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build on results of Phase I research to fully demonstrate an early warning system for potential failure of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials. In Phase I, a novel detection technique called Composite Failure Onset Response Test (ComFORT (TM)) was demonstrated for use with high temperature CMCs. ComFORT (TM) is a composite failure detection technique whereby proprietary thermally stable electrically conductive ceramic fibers are selectively placed, together with regular reinforcing fibers, and are then processed into a dense ceramic composite. Once in place, existing hardware is used to monitor the condition and the health of the electrical signal, while an especially designed algorithm minimizes false negatives during use. As the ceramic composite begins to fail, the failure of the fiber reinforcement is preceded by the failure of the conductive coating, which is recognized through a weakening or loss of electrical conductivity. This novel technique lends itself to a powerful early warning system, whereby the conductive fiber can be designed to fail before catastrophic failure of the composite itself. Proper placement of these conductive fibers enables tracking of even minute levels of breach within the composite. Moreover, through a novel design, it may be possible to extend the performance to detect matrix cracking. The lack of reliability and little to no warning before catastrophic failure has prevented a more widespread use of CMC's. The smart fiber system to be developed in this project will allow the use of CMC's in more demanding applications with greater certainty of success. The successful commercialization of the proposed technology will lead to the insertion of continuous fiber reinforced composites into power generation, energy, air, space and missile applications, where high temperature, lightweight, and mechanically reliable materials are needed, and the cost of part failures is high. Ceramic composites can be used in a larger number of these applications, if part reliability can be assured. Substantial benefits in operating efficiency of gas turbine, automotive and rocket systems can be realized with increased operating temperatures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Kuchinski, Frank TRITON SYSTEMS INC MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 657218 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091582 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Joining Method for Self-Assembly of Reliable Three Dimensional Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will continue to develop a solder self-assembly process that was the concept explored in Phase I. It will build upon the successful Phase I results that demonstrated the use of solder to self-assemble two-dimensional surface micromachined Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) into useful three-dimensional structures. This concept is a next step in the evolution of MEMS assembly. The overall objective of Phase II is to move the technology from the lab environment to a commercial production process that is well understood and has excellent yield. Research personnel from industry and education are involved and state-of-the-art equipment will be utilized. A number of promising commercial applications have been identified and discussions with potential commercial partners suggest interest in commercializing this technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Schaible, Brian SPORIAN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. CO Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499867 5373 AMPP 9165 9146 1467 1444 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091586 March 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Computer-Directed High Throughput Screening for Improved Enzymatic Activity. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on the development of an enabling technology for computer- directed high-throughput screening of proteins with improved properties. Xencor's Protein Design Automation (PDA) predicts all the possible amino acid sequences that will fold into the three-dimensional structure of a protein. There should be molecules among those sequences that have the structure and function of the "parent "protein, together with additional novel properties such as increased thermo-stability or alkaline pH optima. In Phase I the company addressed this possibility using xylanase as a model protein. After targeting the active site of the enzyme for PDA re-design, the company found sequences that were more active than the wild-type protein and one that had a different pH profile. These results were achieved by testing only 260 of a possible 110,592 sequences. In Phase II the company will develop a high-throughput assay system that will allow testing the majority of the predicted sequences. The research will also improve electrostatic functions of the PDA algorithm, and then use this version of the program to re-design the entire xylanase molecule instead of just the active site, thereby finding mutations located away from the active site that effect the protein's characteristics. The PDA technology improves enzyme efficiency and expands the reactions and process conditions where they can be applied. Major markets include polymer manufacturers, value extraction from waste streams and food processing. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Desjarlais, John Xencor CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 499986 5373 BIOT 9184 1108 0203000 Health 0091589 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Smart Instrument Controls with Feel Display. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build on Phase I results to take advantage of an exciting opportunity to revolutionize the way people interact with the machines they encounter in everyday life. Visual displays have progressed remarkably in past decades. Aircraft cockpits that used to have hundreds of gauges and dials now have just a few color displays that provide rich visual information that changes depending on the situation. Yet physical interfaces--knobs, buttons, sliders, etc.--remain as primitive as ever. Regardless of context, these interfaces always feel the same and can serve only a limited number of functions. Phase I results demonstrated the potential human factors benefits of Smart Instrument Controls with programmable feels-- operator performance improved, especially when visual attention was critical, such as during a driving simulation task. These systems also could simplify interfaces by reducing the number of separate controls. One control could operate several functions, each function having a distinctly separate "feel". Phase II will continue human factors studies and expand to include research into novel sensor and actuator technologies for Smart Instrument Controls in order to develop a technology that simplifies elaborate system interfaces while improving or maintaining operator performance. Immersion Corporation proffers a man-machine interface technology that enhances an operator's experience and in many cases can improve performance by leveraging the underutilized sense of touch. These benefits have attracted companies SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Anastas, George IMMERSION CORPORATION CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 755766 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091590 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Intelligent World Wide Web (WWW) Access for the Visually Impaired. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop screen reading software (used by the visually disabled to access computers) that responds to changes in task context. The proposed software will allow screen readers to automatically generate task-specific scripts--sophisticated macros that determine the behavior of the screen reader in response to the current state of an application--based on an analysis of the user's actions while performing a specific task. The end result of this project will be a functioning prototype screen reader (based on Henter-Joyce's JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reader) with the ability to observe the user's actions, identify the user's goal based on those actions (referred to as plan recognition), and then either create a script that automates the task of achieving that same goal in the future or remind the user that such a script already exists. Throughout the course of the project, feedback will be sought from members of the visually impaired community through user trials, focus groups, and formal experimentation. While investigators will work exclusively with the JAWS screen reader during Phase II, many of the algorithms developed during this project will be applicable to other screen readers. The software developed will be licensed to others to improve the performance of existing and new screen readers. The enhanced screen reading software will provide a number of significant benefits. First and foremost, the visually impaired will have significantly improved access to computers for both personal and job-related activities. They will be able to use computers for tasks that were previously impossible or impractical, and they will be able to perform their current activities faster and more effectively. Second, employers will be more open to employing the visually impaired because of the reduced cost in time and effort of job training and the increased level of productivity; visually impaired employees will be able to do more jobs, will be able to learn jobs faster, and will be able to do their jobs better than before. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Huber, Marcus Intelligent Reasoning Systems CA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 455568 5373 SMET 9180 0000099 Other Applications NEC 0116000 Human Subjects 0091591 March 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Holographic Disk Data Storage on a New Photochromic Glass. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project studies holographic data storage in a new ion-exchanged photochromic glass disk. It is well known that holographic data storage can significantly increase data storage capacity and reduce access time. However, the technology maturity of holographic data storage is believed to be impeded by: the lack of good holographic material that can be erased and recorded optically with almost unlimited rewriting cycles, with large index modulation for large capacity multiplexed data recording, and with long lifetime and immunity to destructive readout for archival applications. As demonstrated in Phase I the new ion-exchanged photochromic glass can satisfy all above requirements. In addition, it does not require developing or fixing after hologram recording making it an attractive candidate to replace other holographic materials in holographic storage applications. The Phase II research will first explore techniques to increase the recording volume thickness. The holographic performance parameters will again be determined after the thickness improvement. A compact holographic storage system will then be designed and constructed to show the effectiveness of disk type storage application. High capacity storage will be demonstrated. Commercial development will be explored with some major storage companies. Using the new ion-exchanged glass can significantly improve the holographic data storage technology for commercial and military applications such as computer data storage, on-line storage, library archival applications, image storage and processing for medical applications and military target identification, and fast access to large intelligent databases. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG DeMasi, Ralph NEW SPAN OPTOTECHINOLOGY INC FL Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 523999 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9215 9178 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0091593 April 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Problem Solving Environment for Reduced Kinetic Mechanisms. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a computational Problem Solving Environment (PSE) for the creation, optimization, testing, and application of reduced chemical kinetic mechanisms. Inclusion of detailed chemistry into 3D simulations with turbulence-chemistry interaction will be computationally intractable for the foreseeable future. Practical simulation of reacting flows requires reduced mechanisms tailored to the application and conditions of interest. The PSE created in Phase I allows the user to rapidly create reduced mechanisms, set up multi-parameter test problems for comparison to detailed chemistry, and interrogate and visualize the results more thoroughly than was previously possible. Human effort for reduced mechanism validation is reduced from days to hours. Rigorous testing is necessary to make reduced mechanisms a reliable commercial product. In Phase II the PSE will be extended to automatically optimize reduced mechanisms to the users' specification, and produce reduced mechanism modules for a variety of applications that seamlessly integrate into a variety of Computational Fluid Dynamics codes. These technologies will have commercial value due to the ever-increasing need to include more detailed chemistry into the design and analysis software used by scientists and engineers. The problem solving environment provides the engineer with the ability to rapidly create reduced mechanisms, set up multiple test problems covering a multidimensional parameter space for comparison to detailed chemistry, and efficiently interrogate and visualize the results. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Montgomery, Christopher REACTION ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL UT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 762000 5373 HPCC 9251 9216 9178 0108000 Software Development 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091594 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Neuromorphic Color Sensor for Object and Place Recognition. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project proposes the construction of a miniature object recognition and color segmentation system on a chip. This chip will be tuned to recognize various predefined targets in natural environments. The chip will use an object recognition model, color histogramming, originally derived from research in cognitive neuroscience. Taking advantage of recent advances in Neuromorphic Engineering, the company will implement the basic sensing and computational elements directly in silicon using mixed analog/digital processing. In contrast, implementing the same model or algorithm with conventional microprocessor technology would require that the basic computations be simulated as an intermediate step. The removal of this intermediate step will result in an intelligent sensor with dramatically lower cost, smaller volume, and reduced power usage-achievements not possible using competing microprocessor-based technology. The applications for this technology include intelligent toys and prosthetic devices. A toy might be made to recognize, and therefore be able to respond to, the presence of another toy or specially designed environment. More advanced and elaborated versions of the chip might be used as an aid to the blind by assisting them in finding standardized (i.e. specially colored) objects. For example, a blind person might be assisted in localizing a coffee mug, distinguishing between two similar items of clothing differing only in color, or finding a standardized 'EXIT' sign in a building. The broader impact of this technology is that it will help bridge the gap between the natural, unstructured environment and computing technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Lewis, M Iguana Robotics, Inc. IL Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 795018 5373 SMET MANU HPCC 9251 9178 9146 9139 7218 6840 0104000 Information Systems 0091595 June 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Development of an Automated Instrument Platform for Facilitating Submitochondrial Particle (SMP) Toxicity Assays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop and optimize a novel bioassay tool for routine low-cost biomonitoring of water quality. Submitochondrial particle (SMP) toxicity bioassays, based on the in vitro responses to toxicants of the integrated enzyme functions in oxidative phosphorylation, are good predictors of conventional whole organism tests, yet can be completed in minutes. Phase I research proved the concept that SMP technology could be streamlined and semi-automated, enhancing their convenience and commercial potential. In Phase II, prototypes of two dedicated instruments will be developed to accommodate both the cuvette and 96-well microplate-based formats. Accessory liquid and cuvette handling tools will be developed to increase sample throughput. Features will be added to computer software developed in Phase I for running the tests, including support for other protocols; better error detection; statistical treatments and graphical presentation of data. SMP production methods and quality control procedures will be improved and standardized. The software and instrument prototypes will be tested at four independent laboratories to establish assay variability and to gain additional information on appropriate applications of the tests. If successful, this project will provide affordable tools that will allow for screening of water quality and wastewater discharges by industry and municipalities. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Gustavson, Karl Harry Read Harvard Bioscience, Inc. MA Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 221475 1505 BIOT 9107 1402 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091596 January 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Electrochemical Chlorine Purification. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase II project will further the development of the electrochemical chlorine purification process and conduct a pilot trial with a 0.5 square meter cell at a chlor-alkali plant. During the Phase I phase, densities as high as 0.5 A/cm2 (at room temperature) were demonstrated for this process, with a potential of less than 300 mV at the highest current density. A pilot scale MP-cell with 100 cm2-electrode area was successfully demonstrated to purify chlorine in the flow through electrode mode using anion exchange membranes. Chlorine purity at the outlet was 100%. A complete mass balance was carried out for the chlorine gas and the chloride ion. The objectives of the Phase II program include (a) study and understanding of the mechanism of chlorine reduction in concentrated hydrochloric acid, (b) investigation of catalysis of both the chloride oxidation and chlorine reduction processes in concentrated HCl, (c) building a 0.5 square meter pilot cell, and (d) conducting field trials in a chlor-alkali plant with the pilot cell. At the end of Phase II, a detailed economic analysis would have been completed to enable commercialization efforts. The world chlor-alkali industry is projected to grow from the current production capacity of 42.1 million tons to 49 million metric tons in the year 2002. The total amount of tail gas to be processed is 562 million dollars through the year 2007 for a technology that replaces third stage liquefaction. The market for the second stage liquefaction is approximately 1.7 billion dollars. The U. S. market size for a low cost, energy efficient technology such as electrochemical purification is approximately 160 million dollars through 2007. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Sarangapani, Srinivasan ICET, INC MA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 507499 5373 EGCH 9251 9197 9178 1414 0118000 Pollution Control 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091601 May 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Reconfigurable and Scalable Fiber-Optic Ultra-High-Speed Multi-Media Networks. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project addresses the next generation data networks which will require terabit information handling capability. Future networks must be reconfigurable, highly secure and easily upgraded in both bit rate and number of nodes. The company will apply its extensive fiber optic expertise and its proprietary wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) technology to the development of a reconfigurable high-speed fiber-optic backbone structure that supports the transmission of multiple data protocols between multiple network stations. The approach is based on the company's all-fiber, static and dynamic WDM network access designs which offer high efficiency, compactness and low cost. In Phase I a three-node, two-wavelength system was constructed with static access modules to demonstrate the feasibility of simultaneously transmitting different protocols such as ATM and Ethernet. Phase I formed a basis for Phase II engineering development where the reseacher will employ dynamic access modules and expand the network to 8 nodes and 4 wavelengths to demonstrate network reconfigurability and scalability. The market for fiber-optic networks is growing at a rate of over 20% per year and is expected to exceed $18 billion in 2001. Multi-protocol fiber backbones have applications in commercial platforms, such as enterprise networks, ships, airliners, automobiles, and integrated manufacturing equipment. Each optical fiber can replace hundreds of wires resulting in substantial drop in costs, component weight, and an increase in performance. The project will integrate well with the Internet-II, and SuperNet programs for the government-wide Next Generation Internet (NGI). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Moslehi, Behzad INTELLIGENT FIBER OPTICS SYSTEMS CORP. CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 785999 5373 HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9139 9102 0116000 Human Subjects 0206000 Telecommunications 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091624 February 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Carbon Monoxide-Tolerant Anode Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells via Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to implement a Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) process for the production of anode electrocatalyst layers for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) applications requiring reformate fuel feed gas. In Phase I it was demonstrated that fabrication of Pt:Ru electrocatalysts as unsupported, metallic nanoparticles is possible using CCVD. These electrocatalyst layers behave electrochemically in a similar manner to commercially available Pt:Ru electrocatalysts prepared on carbon supports using wet chemical methods, but can be deposited directly onto both gas diffusion media and proton exchange membranes. The Phase II project would involve optimization of catalyst composition, continued development of web coating technology for mass production of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and commercialization of the technology through construction of production equipment and licensing. Fuel cells are of huge interest to the marketplace, as illustrated by sizable investments in the technology and market capitalization of fuel cell companies. For example, Daimler Chrysler has targeted the year 2004 for planned production of fuel cell vehicles, and has slated more than $1.4 billion in investments to reach that goal. However, for commercial viability, performance and cost of the electrocatalyst layers must be improved. MCT, if successful, could contribute in both arenas. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Breitkopf, Richard NGIMAT CO. GA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 772219 5373 MANU AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9165 9146 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0091632 October 1, 2000 Expanding Innovation Opportunities in Tennessee. 0091632 Johnson This award is to Tennessee Technological University to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include Tennessee Technological University; Austin Pea University; East Tennessee State University; University of Memphis; Middle Tennessee State University; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Tennessee Biotechnology Association; Cumberland Emerging Technologies; TenneSeed; Tennessee Board of Regents. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include screening new ideas for suitability for commercialization; new courses in entrepreneurial training; spin-off companies for students; development of an electronic communication system to track developments and offer assistance to small spin-off companies; connecting the research, knowledge, discovery of the universities to the generation of new patents, and licenses, stimulate new economic growth and economic well being in the state. Proposed Innovation The innovation goals for this award include creation of intellectual property by the universities in the state, transfer of new knowledge to the private sector, creation of new economic enterprise, raising the economic well being of the entire state (most of the economic wealth is in the eastern part of the state). This activity will also provide the necessary workforce training to support the new business and industry. Potential Economic Impact The economic outcome will be the general economic well being of the region. Potential Societal Impact The societal benefits include increased economic well being for the region and participation of under-represented groups in the enterprise. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Johnson, Glen Tennessee Technological University TN Sara B. Nerlove Continuing grant 579693 1662 OTHR 0000 0091686 June 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Noncorroding Steel Reinforced Concrete. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new class of cement-steel interfaces for high performance steel reinforcing bars for concrete. In Phase I the project demonstrated a bar coating system that can protect against corrosion of steel in concrete structures and has improved adhesion characteristics between steel reinforcement and the cement matrix. Phase II continues to refine the properties and techniques for producing this new class of High Performance Non-corroding Steel-Reinforced Concrete. Improved corrosion resistance of steel reinforcement in concrete structures could address a major infrastructure problem that has been estimated to require up to $3 trillion for repair. The potentially cost effective coatings to be developed and commercially applied during production runs in steel mills would result in a value added product of major importance for managing the infrastructure. Improvements in adherence and corrosion resistance would be highly beneficial, for example, in corrosive highway deicing environments and marine structures. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Varacalle, Dominic Concrete Sciences Corporation ID Joseph E. Hennessey Standard Grant 469332 5373 AMPP 9163 0522100 High Technology Materials 0093092 October 1, 2000 Partnerships for Innovation: A Center of Excellence in Regenerative Biology. 0093092 Chernoff This award is to Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF 0082). Partners The partners include Indiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis; Indiana University; Terre Haute Center for Medical Partner Organizations; Indiana University School of Medicine; Eli Lilly & Company; Indiana 21st Century Fund for Research and Technology; Indiana Business Modernization and Technology Corporation. Proposed Activities The activities for this award include innovative research in regenerative biology; technology transfer leading to development of therapies; training the workforce for regenerative biology. Proposed Innovation The goals of this innovation are research on regenerative biology to understand the regeneration process and identify proteins of therapeutic value for healing, and technology transfer to private companies for healthcare delivery. Potential Economic Impact The potential economic impacts are creation of an estimated 7000 new jobs over the next 10 years from the partner companies alone (10% of these will be in Indiana), and increased participation of minorities in the health care industry. Potential Societal Impact The development of therapies for injured and degenerating tissues will have medical and health benefits to society beyond anything known today. The plan also includes strong involvement of minorities in the workforce training programs with subsequent participation in the anticipated expanded healthcare job market. PARTNRSHIPS FOR INNOVATION-PFI IIP ENG Chernoff, Ellen David Stocum Anthony Mescher Anton Neff Simon Rhodes Indiana University IN Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 600000 1662 OTHR 0000 0096336 April 1, 2000 MOTI: A Strategic Alliance for Management of Technology and Innovation Research. TRANS TO QUAL ORG PROG-PROGRAM OPERATIONS RESEARCH INNOVATION & ORG SCIENCES(IOS) MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY PRGM GRANT OPP FOR ACAD LIA W/INDUS IIP ENG Bean, Alden Stephen Markham North Carolina State University NC Donald Senich Continuing grant 293821 8243 5514 5376 5374 1504 OTHR MANU 9149 9148 8243 5376 0000 0308000 Industrial Technology 0103935 December 1, 2000 A Planning Grant to Initiate an Industry-University-Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) at Arizona State University. This award is to hold an Industry/University planning meeting for a proposed research site at the Arizona State University which will be a part of the I/UCRC for water Quality at the University of Arizona. The planning meeting will examine the organizational feasibility and economic viability of the research site. A portfolio of initial research projects will be determined. New members will be recruited during the tenure of the award. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Abbaszadegan, Morteza Arizona State University AZ Tapan K. Mukherjee Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0104423 December 1, 2000 A Planning Grant Proposal for the Establishment of a NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) on Intelligent e-Maintenance Systems (IMS). This award is to hold an Industry/University planning meeting for a proposed research site at the University of Michigan which will be a part of the I/UCRC for Intelligent e-Maintenance Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The planning meeting will examine the organizational feasibility and economic viability of the research site. A portfolio of initial research projects will be determined. New members will be recruited during the tenure of the award. INDUSTRY/UNIV COOP RES CENTERS IIP ENG Ni, Jun University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Standard Grant 10000 5761 OTHR 0000 0107641 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Triploidy Induction of Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) for Increased Value. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop techniques and equipment for simple, cheap and reliable mass production of triploid and tetraploid giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) using a new technology called Automated Polyploid Induction System (APIS). This proprietary APIS system uses a specially designed spawning tank, an automated spawn sensing device and computer applied shock treatments. The specific objective of the Phase I project is to determine the optimal values of the three key parameters for triploidy induction in P. monodon: time to start shock application, shock intensity, and shock duration. This determination will allow the complete development and demonstration of APIS during Phase II of the project. Additional objectives in Phase II will include production of tetraploid P. monodon, and completion of production trials with diploid, triploid and tetraploid shrimp. The commercial application of this project is in the farmed shrimp production market. Farmed shrimp from Asia constitutes approximately 75% of the world's farmed shrimp production, and P. monodon accounts for greater than 50% of that production. Successful mass production of the triploid P. monodon, and demonstration of superior culture performance of triploids will allow marketing of this proprietary technology throughout Asia. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Wyban, James High Health Aquaculture, Inc HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9117 5371 0521700 Marine Resources 0108355 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low-cost, High-Efficiency Power Amplifiers for Magnetic-Resonance Imaging. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate techniques for low-cost, high-efficiency, wide-bandwidth power amplifiers for magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) systems. To date, MRI transmitters have been based upon broadband linear power amplifiers, which are inefficient and consequently large, heavy, and expensive. Further, there is a growing demand for systems operating at higher frequencies with larger bandwidths. Existing high efficiency transmitters are relatively expensive and have limited bandwidths. The approach in Phase I is based upon high-level amplitude modulation, low cost RF power transistors, digital signal processing, and electronic tuning. The principal potential commercial application is MRI. Other applications include radio frequency communications, high frequency radar, radio frequency heating (plasmas, semiconductors), and laser drivers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Raab, Frederick GREEN MOUNTAIN RADIO RESEARCH CO VT Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99999 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0108831 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Fiber Optic NOx Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to build a prototype miniature fiber optic NOx sensor for the control of auto emissions. The proposed sensor is based upon a company invention on miniature chemilluminescence detector for gas chromatography. The prototype will be miniature in size (4 cubic inch approximately), weight (1/2 lb) and capable of ppt level detection as a result of the innovative design. Commercial applications will focus on pollution monitoring, insitu auto NOx emission monitoring and reduction, and biochemical/drug analysis when coupled with a miniature catalytic converter. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Dong, Jim NanoTek, Inc. AZ Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99400 5371 EGCH 9197 0118000 Pollution Control 0108840 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Ultrafast Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analyzer for Water Recycling Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the development of an ultrafast TOC analyzer to enable real-time recycling of spent rinse waters from semiconductor wet benches. At the present time, semiconductor fabrication facilities generate about 3800 gallons of wastewater discharge per wafer, which is equivalent to 53 million gallons of wastewater per year for facilities operating at 100 gpm (gallons per minute). Recycling spent rinse waters from semiconductor wet benches provides a viable solution to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of this manufacturing process. On-line monitoring of key contaminants in real time is necessary to successfully operate future water systems having recycle and reuse capabilities. Phase I research will be directed at developing microfluidic sensors having reliable, ultra-fast response times to trace concentrations of organic contaminants found in spent r5inse waters from simiconductor wet benches. Specific performance goals for Phase I devices include: <30 s response time, <30 ppb detection limit, operation in <10 microSiemen/cm water conductivity, and 100% +/- 30% recovery of key contaminants. An ultra-fast TOC analyzer will be developed that enables real-time recycling of water used by seimiconductor manufacturing to reduce their demand upon regional water supplies. This novel instrument will find widespread applications in the semiconductor industry as well as other manufacturing environments that require real-time detection of organic contaminants in aqueous effluent. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thomas, Ross Eltron Research, Inc. CO Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99996 5371 EGCH 1325 0313040 Water Pollution 0108844 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Miniaturized Biosensor for the Amperometric Detection of Phenolic Contaminants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a small, portable, low-power amperometric biosensor to detect phenol in wastewater. A renewable, robust biosensor integrated into a microfluidic system is proposed and will be designed to specifically detect phenol in aqueous solutions based on an enzyme-based biosensor. This method will allow analysis of phenol without significant dilution or reduction in the sensitivity of the detected species. The microfluidic biosensor will use sol-gel modified, screen printed microband electrodes which will enhance the sensitivity and limit of detection of the device compared to electrodes of conventional size. The device will also use a simple pump and valve system for both electrolyte and analyte introduction into the sensor and proven electrochemical instrumentation for phenol detection. The proposed sensor will be applicable to real time, on-site monitoring of phenol concentrations in wastewater. The commercial application of this project will be in industries such as pulp and paper, petroleum refining and plastic resins that need a cost effective and robust device to detect phenol in wastewater. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cepak, Veronica Eltron Research, Inc. CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99996 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0313040 Water Pollution 0109003 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Silicon Chip Antenna for Radio Frequency Identification Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will build a small form factor silicon chip antenna for radio frequency identification (RFID) applications in smart tags. A new high-performance, low cost, small size silicon chip antenna, fabricated by wafer batch processing, will be combined with a standard, passive (no battery) RFID chip to form a low cost, high-performance RFID tag of small dimensions. The antenna and the RFID chip are stacked directly on top of each other. Phase I used a simplified process and scaled up structures. In Phase II the process will be optimized, devices with the intended dimensions will be used, and the antenna chip and the RFID chip will be stacked. Passive RFID systems are used in applications such as object tagging, asset management, hazardous materials tracking, and tracking of important documents. Existing RFID technology is limited by the need for large transponder antennas (~ 1 inch by 2 inch minimum) and costly multi-component assembly. The silicon wafer batch processed antenna chip technology will produce millimeter-scale smart tags (programmable replacement for bar codes), enabling products for large commercial markets. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Dimmler, Klaus HiPoint Technology Inc. CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 499752 5373 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 0109070 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Method for Class Switching IgM Secretors to IgG. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a rapid and reliable method for inducing, detecting and recovering isotypic switch variants in hybridoma cell lines using in-vitro switching media, gel microdrop (GMD) technology and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Antibodies are widely used in research and clinical applications. Antibodies of the IgM subclass are generally considered the least useful due to their pentameric structure and lack of affinity for protein A and protein G which makes purification and modification of IgM antibodies difficult, and enzymatic digestion for Fab fragment production almost impossible. Many of the hybridomas produced, however, are of the IgM subclass. IgM producing hybridomas do, however, spontaneously switch the subclass of antibody they produce to IgG, although at very low frequencies. Currently there is no simple method for controlling class switching and isolating class switch variants. Several protocols have been developed to effect class switching of IgM producing hybridomas and to isolate class switch variants, but these procedures are lengthy and very labor-intensive involving multiple screening cycles. By providing a rapid method for isolating IgG switch variants, the GMD method will significantly improve bioprocessing of monoclonal antibodies for research and therapeutic use. The commercial application of this project will be in the development of monoclonal antibody products for research, therapeutic, diagnostic and imaging purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Akselband, Yevgenya ONE CELL SYSTEMS, INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109095 July 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: A Rapid-deployment, Three-dimensional (3-D), Seismic Reflection System. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will design a prototype for a rapid-deployment, three-dimensional (3-D), seismic reflection system for shallow subsurface exploration. Although the 3-D seismic reflection method enjoys tremendous commercial success in marine applications, 3-D seismic systems for land-based geophysical exploration have been limited because cost-effective and environmentally friendly deployment systems have not been developed. Such a system would be useful to build models of ground water flow, track pollutants, identify mineral-laden zones, and aid the siting of large construction projects. The customer base for this seismic reflection system includes civil and environmental engineers and geophysical contractors. PFM Manufacturing and Montana Tech propose to design a rapid-deployment, 3- D, seismic reflection system that employs multiple land streamers with gimbal-mounted vertical geophones. An industrial, low-impact All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a critical part of the system both to pull the land streamers and minimize environmental impact. PFM builds an ideal ATV for this purpose. The primary advantage of such a system is that fewer field personnel would be needed compared to conventional surveys and data could be collected more efficiently. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Miller, Patrick PFM MANUFACTURING INC MT Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109098 January 1, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Randomly Textured Nanoscale Surfaces for Silicon Solar Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will integrate random, reactive ion etching (RIE) texturing techniques into low-cost, multi-crystalline (mc) silicon (Si) solar cells. RIE texturing techniques, developed in Phase I, are distinguished by their low-reflection (1 percent), large area (200 square centimeters) application, and the ability to control etched profiles. This texture control has been employed to increase near infrared absorption in Si by enhanced oblique optical coupling into the substrate. RIE-texturing techniques have potential application in several fields including low-cost substrates for surface enhanced Raman scattering and field emission devices. Phase II will be concerned with conformal emitter formation techniques uniquely suited to RIE-textured surfaces. These methods will lead to solar cell manufacturing in a cluster environment with similar chambers for texturing, emitter formation, and nitride films for surface passivation. Potential industrial applications are expected in high-efficiency, RIE-textured, mc-Si solar cells using processes suitable for their respective manufacturing environments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Zaidi, Saleem Gratings, Incorporated NM T. James Rudd Standard Grant 649584 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9150 9146 9102 0106000 Materials Research 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109141 June 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Battery Design by Using an Electronic Interface (ENTERFACE). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop prototype software for designing batteries based on user requirements. A user will specify an objective (such as maximize runtime) and use conditions (such as the electrical current), and the software determines, based on first principles(trade mark) models, the optimal design. The Phase I project successfully yielded, based on optimization of capacity, significant improvements in runtime for devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs). The Phase II project will develop a user-friendly, prototype system that can handle multiple battery chemistries, simulate abuse testing, and predict battery life. The software serves as an intermediary between battery developers and users by capturing expertise from both groups, allowing them to accrue benefits of simulation. Aligning development cycles of batteries to devices leads to better products (with concomitant market penetration, share growth, and lower costs). The software protects confidential information of all parties, creating opportunities for broader partnerships. The commercial benefits will come from the development of the software, which provides a ready outlet for academic research and a rational basis for product specifications. It is anticipated that if this project is successful it will open up the battery industry to innovation and will help to create new partnerships. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Spotnitz, Robert Battery Design Co. CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 645742 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9165 1403 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109171 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Optical Angle Encoders for Advanced Powertrains. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project deals with the need for improved angle encoders or resolvers for advanced automotive powertrains. The performance of powertrains for electric vehicles (EV's) and hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV's) as well as for such concepts now being envisioned as a camless engine will require drive shaft angle encoders with higher resolution and faster response. This proposal addresses these needs in the form of an optical encoder based on an old concept, but used in an innovative fashion and executed with component technologies, both optical and electronic, that have recently become available. The design, in addition to its high performance is extremely robust, in terms of temperature, alignment and in its tolerance to high levels of electro magnetic interference (EMI). Also, and essential for the automotive industry, that performance is achieved with the reliability and low cost demanded by that industry. Angle encoding is basic to rotary drive systems. It is required for commutation and phase angle adjustment to affect the control of energy flow. Angle encoders are also essential to optical and radar scanning mechanisms. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wyntjes, Geert VISIDYNE INC MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99970 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109181 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Ultraviolet (UV) Water Treatment with Short Wavelength Surface Discharge Lamps. 0109181 Schaefer This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the need for cost effective water treatment. Ultraviolet (UV) light treatment for chemical contaminants in water is attractive because contaminants are destroyed, unlike adsorption techniques that transfer the contaminant to a different media. However, the use of UV is limited by electricity costs for lamp power. This project uses a newly developed Surface Discharge (SD) UV lamp with UV efficiency three times higher than the industry standard mercury UV lamp, which will reduce electricity costs. Furthermore, the shorter wavelength UV spectrum of the SD lamp can both increase destruction rate and reduce the amount of chemical oxidant additive. Project objectives are to optimize lamp operation, to demonstrate the advantages of the SD lamp to treat atrazine and nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), two contaminants of national concern, and to establish commercial feasibility. A successful Phase I will establish the feasibility of a water treatment process based on the SD lamp, and will lead in Phase II to a prototype system and to commercialization in Phase III. The near term commercial applications of this project will be in the large water treatment market that includes groundwater, industrial and municipal wastewater, drinking water and general disinfection SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schaefer, Raymond PHOENIX SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0313040 Water Pollution 0109188 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Elastomeric Microelectrodes for Improved Neuroprostheses. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I will develop new implantable electrodes for use in neurological sensing and stimulation. Neuroprostheses have been traditionally fabricated from metals such as stainless steel. The effectiveness of metallic implant devices can be compromised by exposure to the corrosive physiologic environment. Material property mismatches between body tissues and metals can also reduce the tolerability of these devices, especially of those used around muscle tissue. Plastics are finding increasing application in implants due to their more natural stress transfer properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. The proposed research objective is to develop a novel molecularly ordered silicone elastomer that offers tailorable mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, physiological stability and high electrical conductivity. Conducting polymers will be incorporated in a polysiloxane matrix to yield ordered structures for maximizing conductivity while preserving the desired elastomer properties. Conductive composites will be prepared and tested for electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, physiological durability and suitability for implantable devices. The principal commercial application of this project is in the neuroprosthesis device market. Successful development of non-metallic electrodes having high electrical conductivity and improved biomechanical properties will have significant potential in this market. Other potential product areas include anticorrosion coatings and electrical shielding materials. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Keohan, Francis Cape Cod Research, Inc. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99947 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109190 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Self Assembled Bacteria - A Route to Tuned Photonic Bandgap Materials for Inrared Chemical Sensing. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will determine the feasibility of using monolayers of bacteria to form hexagonal arrays of small holes in metal coated semiconductors. Such micron-sized patterned materials form tuned photonic bandgap structures with narrow band emission. These narrow infrared line sources allow detection of liquid or vapor chemical species through changes in absorption. Very high- resolution, high-cost lithography was required to fabricate proof of principal devices. The proposed research would significantly lower production costs by as much as a factor of ten. Phase I research would demonstrate: (1) growth of uniform sized bacteria, (2) uniform dispersal on a substrate in a hexagonal array, (3) use of inherent electrostatic repulsion to maintain uniform separation, and (4) transfer of this pattern to a treated substrate. Varying growth time and size of bacteria alters emission wavelength and chemical selectivity of the sensor. Existing infrared vapor sensors, that are more reliable than electrochemical sensors, are used for high end applications that can afford an instrument costing hundreds of dollars. The proposed materials development would reduce costs to below $10 per sensor, $50 per complete instrument, allowing IR chemical sensing applications to reach mass markets for automobiles or homes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pralle, Martin ION OPTICS INC MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99984 5371 MANU 9165 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109257 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Microchip-Laser-Based Optical Alloy Analysis Instrument. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project has as its goal the demonstration of the feasibility of an optical alloy analysis instrument based on a microchip laser excitation source. This instrument will determine elemental composition using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS). It will have the advantage over existing portable instruments of being able to determine concentrations of light elements such as carbon, aluminum and silicon. The key to this innovation is the microchip laser, which has been shown to have several advantages in LIPS applications, while being remarkably small, lightweight and robust. In Phase I observations will be made using a laboratory LIPS apparatus, and a set of specifications will be derived for an instrument capable of determining carbon in steel at levels of interest to potential customers in industries where alloy identification is critical. This proposal involves collaboration with a manufacturer with a dominant position in the market. With their input, the optimum instrument configuration which can offer both useful capabilities and easy, portable operation will be determined. There currently exists a strong market for alloy identification instruments, even though existing devices are either limited by inability to determine some of the most important elements, or by significant drawbacks in portability and ease of use. An optical device with important advantages could lead to a much expanded market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Wormhoudt, Joda Aerodyne Research Inc MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109271 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Subwavelength Structures for Enhanced Absorption in Thin Silicon Films. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop thin film (less than 50 microns) crystalline silicon (Si) photovoltaic (PV) cells. At present, Si wafers account for approximately 50 per cent of the completed PV module cost. Weak near-infrared absorption requires 250-micron thick Si films to absorb available optical radiation. Preliminary calculations indicate that appropriately designed subwavelength structures can achieve comparable absorption in films 20-50 microns thick. These subwavelength structures can now be fabricated using recent advances in Si reactive ion etching (DRIE) technology. Preliminary tests with DRIE techniques have demonstrated aspect ratios (depth to linewidth) greater than 30 for grating periods less than 1 micron. Phases I will explore a technique of microstructured thin films lift-off from a conventional Si substrate. The lift-off film is bonded to a low-cost substrate for subsequent solar cell processing. Original wafers are re-used following a simple planarization step. Several lift-off steps from the same Si wafer will offset added processing costs and permit savings in Si material costs. The underlying technology is expected to find applications in homo- and hetero-epitaxial growth on nanostructured Si substrates. Commercial applications are anticipated in this new approach to thin film Si solar cell technology. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Zaidi, Saleem Gratings, Incorporated NM Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 9150 MANU 9165 9148 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109285 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Evanescent Microwave Probes with Neuromorphic Signal Processing for Real-Time Process Monitoring and Control. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will design, fabricate and test parallel coaxial evanescent microwave probes (EMP) with integrated piezoelectric actuators and neuromorphic electronics. EMP is being developed and commercialized by MICC in collaboration with researchers at Case Western Reserve University for a variety of imaging applications including thin film quality control, semiconductor characterization, biological studies, and other applications in metrology. EMPs have very fast scan rates (>1 cm/s) and they yield information regarding the dielectric constant as well as the microwave conductivity of materials. They are also non-contact with the capability of imaging both conducting and insulating materials. Integration of actuators and neuromorphic electronics with EMP's will enable their development in manufacturing quality assessment and other high throughput applications. EMPs have very high spatial resolutions (=0.1 um -100 um and in some cases atomic resolution) and their application in manufacturing will have significant impact on quality control and assessment. The possible market for such a system is in multi-billion US dollars per year in the US alone. The proposed parallel EMP arrays will be tested using a mock pulsed-laser deposition set-up at MICC. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Natal, Rodrigo Manufacturing Instrumentation Consultant Company OH Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99297 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109291 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Miniaturized High Voltage Thin Film Capacitors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating low volume, low parasitic, i.e., low series resistance and inductance, high energy density capacitors using stacked, thin-film tantalum pentoxide dielectrics fabricated on Kapton film and tantalum foil. Low resistance capacitors will shorten both charge and discharge time, as well as lower the resistive load on the battery or power source. Low inductance is also important in high voltage systems. Power supplies have high transformation ratios with many turns for secondary windings that induce high leakage inductance. Therefore, capacitor inductance must be minimized in order to reduce the total system inductance, ultimately improving power usage factors and system efficiency. Numerous high power systems are used in the medical, defense, space, and consumer electronics industries, where substantial reduction in size and weight and increased speed and performance are desired. Special anodization techniques used to form capacitor dielectrics will allow fabrication of capacitors with a wide range of high performance configurations and characteristics that are expected to benefit all of these industrial markets. Miniaturized, high energy density thin-film capacitors are used in many high power devices, such as defibrillators, DC power supplies, and automotive electronics. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Nelms, David Integral Wave Technologies, Inc. AR Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99986 5371 AMPP 9165 9150 0522100 High Technology Materials 0109295 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: The Construction of Strains of Yeast for Bioethanol Production from Cellulose. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop yeast strains to efficiently catalyze the conversion of cellulose to ethanol. Current technology requires the addition of purified cellulase enzymes to convert cellulose to glucose, which is then fermented to alcohol by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The proposed research intends to make three significant improvements over the existing technology : (1) Use of a high temperature tolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus to effect a very efficient fermentation, (2) Expression of genes encoding cellulase in the fermenting yeast, and 3) Isolation and selection of the yeast and the cellulase genes from the cellulosic waste specifically for optimal performance. The commercial applications of this project are in the reduction of cellulose waste material produced by agriculture and industry, and in the production of a cost effective fuel grade ethanol. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Levine, Robert Enogen Inc. CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109300 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Increased Profitability and Pearl Quality Using Recombinant DNA Technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will identify commercially-important genes in Pinctada margaritifera as targets for future manipulation in order to improve the efficiency and profitability of black pearl farming. This work will also attempt to produce transgenic pearl oysters that carry the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) transgene under a constitutive eukaryotic promoter. Transgenic animals expressing the reporter gene will be followed to monitor expression patterns of the transgene in a controlled quarantine nursery system. Concurrent experiments will isolate genes involved in growth regulation and nacre formation in this species. Candidate growth hormone and nacre protein genes will be sequenced, compared to known genes of similar function in other molluscs and verified as homologous The commercial application of this project will be at the high end of the black pearl market that is estimated to be of the order of $ 150 million in the Pacific alone. This project is expected to result in the production of faster growing oysters that yield bigger and higher quality pearls than those currently available. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sarver, Dale Black Pearls Inc HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 110063 9150 5371 BIOT 9251 9231 9181 9178 9102 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0521700 Marine Resources 0109351 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Focused Beam Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis Using Doubly-Curved Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address improved wafer contamination analysis in the microelectronics industry. Phase I will examine a new technique called focused beam total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF). Based on point-focusing toroidal crystal optics, focused beam TXRF is expected to improve spatial resolution by a factor more than 100 and provide 30 times better detection sensitivity for local contaminants on silicon (Si) than the conventional TXRF method. This technique also has potential for low level aluminum (Al), sodium (Na), and other low atomic-number (Z) elements that not performed effectively by conventional TXRF and other techniques. Phase I will demonstrate improved sensitivity and resolution for transition metal detection. Theoretical calculations will be also carried out to determine the feasibility for Al and Na detection in wafer contamination control. Focused beam TXRF analysis has commercial applications in the microelectronics industry for wafer contamination control, including localized and homogeneous contaminants with high resolution. These contaminants include many important elements, such as transition metals, Al, Na and other low Z elements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Zewu X-RAY OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. NY Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 94318 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109356 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Process Sensor for Alternative Energy and Catalysis Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a low cost process control sensor for advanced alternative energy and catalysis applications. Sensor could be a component in as many as 1.2 million fuel cell vehicles projected to be on the road in 2010 and a component in the electrical generation market which could surpass $100 Billion in 2010. The sensor will measure carbon monoxide in the part-per-million to percent range in a wet, high concentration, hydrogen stream with significant carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) concentrations. Although large nondispersive infrared (NDIR) instruments are the standard solution to this measurement problem, NDIR is prohibitively expensive for many applications including fuel cell power plants, and transportation applications, and quite expensive for industrial processes such as urea manufacture and oil refining. Phase II will develop an easily manufactured sensor costing a few dollars apiece in large quantity as opposed to current IR systems costing thousands to tens of thousands of dollars apiece. This project will have a direct impact on reducing United States dependence on foreign oil by making highly efficient fuel systems practical. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Roehl, Joseph SCENTCZAR CORPORATION VA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99390 5371 EGCH 1325 0306000 Energy Research & Resources 0109371 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nonintrusive Diode Laser Sensor for Bottled Drugs. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is designed to assess the feasibility of developing a nonintrusive diode laser sensor for oxygen contamination in drug product bottles. In this project, designs for overcoming problems associated with ambient oxygen signals and optical interferences due to etalons will be examined. In addition, the sensitivity and accuracy of the proposed technique will be demonstrated. Lastly, a preliminary examination of the possibility of performing measurements on the production line will be made. If successful, this technology will be extendable to nonintrusive measurements in a variety of packaged and bottled food and drug products. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Paige, Mark Southwest Sciences Inc NM Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109385 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Microencapsulation of a Biocontrol Agent to Improve Control of Soilborne Pathogens. This Small Business Phase Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate microencapsulation technology, including microencapsulated phase change materials (microPCMs), to improve biological control of soilborne plant diseases. Success in this program would enhance the potential of using this technology in a broad range of biocontrol arenas. Previous research has demonstrated that microPCM(s) can significantly improve bioherbicide efficacy through microclimate regulation. Biocontrol organisms for plant diseases have environmental constraints (moisture and temperature) to practical application. Additionally, many of these organisms also lack a suitable carrier or delivery system. The technology proposed in this program will address these constraints by providing supplemental moisture, supplemental nutrients and temperature regulation to a viable biocontrol bacterium that is encapsulated inside a protective capsule. Innovative microencapsulation techniques will combine water, microPCMs and nutrients in a form that can be delivered to seeds or vegetative cuttings. The key objectives of the Phase I project are as follows : (1) to evaluate compatibility of microencapsulated materials, (2) to design and to fabricate water microcapsules and microPCMs, (3) to encapsulate a test biocontrol bacterium, and 4) to evaluate these formulations individually or in combination with the test bacterium to control soilborne diseases in selected crops. The commercial applications of this project will be in the huge, multibillion dollar market for materials needed to control soilborne diseases in flowers and in crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton, grain sorghum and rice. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cartwright, D Agricultural Research Initiatives Inc AR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 94207 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0201000 Agriculture 0109392 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Compact, Low-Cost, Time-of-Flight Residual Gas Analyzer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new type of residual gas analyzer based on a novel ion-trapping concept. The new instrument will have significant cost and size advantages over current commercially available residual gas analyzer (RGA) systems. If the concept is successful, it has the potential to provide performance capabilities exceeding current RGA technology. The new trap also has potential application as a general purpose ion source for precision mass spectrometry. Phase I will: (1) design and construct a proof-of-principle experiment to demonstrate the novel ion trap as an ion source for a compact RGA; (2) conduct experiments to characterize the performance of the new instrument; and (3) evaluate possible extensions of the instrument and develop the conceptual design for a Phase II laboratory demonstration instrument. These new RGA instruments are expected to reduce capital and manufacturing costs in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, vacuum coating, electro-optics, chemical processing, and environmental monitoring. It will also make RGAs more available to new users in industry and university research laboratories, who presently cannot afford such instruments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Greaves, Rod First Point Scientific, Inc. CA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109407 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Harmonic Radio Acoustic Sounding System (HRASS). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a proprietary method of measuring atmospheric temperature starting at 10 meters above the surface. Our concept, if successful, will overcome the current Radio Acoustic Sounding System (RASS) low altitude and temperature resolution limits. The temperature measurement accuracy will be increased by at least a factor of two. This system will support research by providing a continuous low altitude temperature profile for a better understanding of the atmosphere and improved weather prediction. Localized weather forecasts are particularly important for airports predicting fog, air quality control, controlled burns of grasslands and forests, and uncontrolled forest fires. The ability to predict the behavior of the smoke emanating from these fires is important since it is a threat to many segments of the population. Results from this research could provide accurate low altitude temperature profiles to businesses that need local weather data (airports, fire departments, television and radio stations, air quality control, and disaster management of nuclear or chemical mishaps, etc.). EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Wollny, W. Tom Quick Reaction Corporation CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 9150 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109419 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Two-Photon Resonant Holography. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a Two-Photon Resonant Holography (TPRH) imaging technique capable of recording time-resolved number densities of atomic or molecular species. Resonant holography and the innovative application of two-photon absorption and photorefractive quantum well (PRQW) holographic devices will allow the development of high-speed systems using only low-cost, solid-state components. Phase I will develop the TPRH technique by constructing a prototype system and demonstrating its operation with a selected species. The use of two-photon absorption with resonant holography allows visible or infrared (IR) lasers to probe species with ultraviolet (UV) absorption lines. Costly UV lasers and optics can be avoided. The PRQW device enables high recording rates. These devices are capable of kiloHertz or megaHertz rates with energy requirements in the nanojoule range. Commercial applications are expected in industrial and fundamental research areas: combustion, plasmas, reacting flows, in vitro biomedical testing, supersonic mixing and reacting flows, and basic research into the nonlinear behavior of atomic or molecular electronic systems. Furthermore, TPRH may find applications in very low cost video rate systems; lightweight, low-power airborne or space-based systems; and multiple-view systems for tomographic measurements. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lysogorski, Charles North Dancer Labs, Inc. VT Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99279 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109430 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Fabrication of High Aspect Ratio Microstructures in Polymers: Applications in Microcolumn Separations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop commercially viable methods for the fabrication of high aspect ratio micro- and nano-structures for microfluidic applications using contact nano-printing. X-ray lithography will be used to produce molding tools to emboss structures in polymers. Microfluidic channels will be fabricated with ordered arrays of micro- and nano-posts filling these channels. Molding tools will be constructed from metal electroform to allow hot embossing or injection molding of various polymers. Mechanical properties of both the electroform and the polymers will be evaluated for the ability to minimize structure deformation during demolding. Various gluing and heat annealing assembly methods to enclose the microfluidic channels will be investigated. A number of post geometries will be examined for feature integrity during molding, demolding and assembly. Fluid transport through the ordered arrays will be studied in detail using confocal fluorescence microscopy. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of micro-column separations such as for reversed phase chromatography and for micro-reactors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Ford, Sean Mezzo Systems Inc. LA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99850 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109434 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: EvoBeaker Simulation Software for Teaching Evolutionary Biology. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project seeks to develop simulation software for teaching evolutionary biology. Evolution is the core subject in biology, yet it requires concepts and ways of thinking that are challenging for most students. Moreover, it is a subject that is poorly understood by many non-scientists, with important consequences on the way science is taught in public schools. This project will lead to the development of a very flexible piece of software that allows users to design evolutionary simulations and students to graphically see evolution in action. The software will be accompanied by a set of classroom-tested laboratories teaching a variety of evolutionary topics. Students will learn by designing and performing their own experiments. The commercial potential of this project is immediate and obvious. To date, a good, general purpose teaching program of the type proposed in this project is not available and the market is very large, consisting of virtually every secondary school and college in the country. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Meir, Eli SimBiotic Software NY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 97770 5371 BIOT 9181 0108000 Software Development 0109441 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I:Rare Earth-Aluminum Oxide Glass Photonic Devices. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate photonic devices based on novel rare earth-aluminum oxide (REAl) glass. These devices exploit electronic transitions in rare earth doped and co-doped glass that potentially enable efficient laser action at wavelengths from 480 to 2250 nanometers (nm) when pumped by inexpensive diode lasers. Phase I will focus on the feasibility of devices having emissions at 1480 nm and possibly 1300 nm emission for telecommunications applications. The behavior of 480-490 nm emissions will be characterized with a view toward use in optical data storage applications. Phase I will also synthesize and characterize doped rare earth-aluminum oxide glasses, and establish protoype device performance. Measurements on the rare earth doped REAl glasses will include the spectral absorption coefficient at the pump wavelength, fluorescence cross section line shape, slope efficiency, fluorescence lifetime, single pass gain, and IR transmission. Potential commercial applications include small laser or optical amplifier devices to extend the fiber telecommunication bandwidth for use in high-density optical data storage devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Weber, J.K. Richard Containerless Research, Inc. IL Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109447 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Ferroelectric Thin Films on Low-Cost Substrates for Wireless Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is aimed at producing high-quality BaxSr1-xTiO3 (BST) films with low dielectric losses and high tunability on low-cost substrates (sapphire and metal). These ferroelectric thin films are of great interest for advanced tunable microwave devices that are being used in, for example, wireless telecommunication hardware. To date, there are only two process technologies (PLD and MOCVD) that allow depositing BST onto sapphire and none exists for depositing BST onto metallic substrates. Hence, there is a compelling technical and commercial need to develop an advanced deposition process that can overcome these apparent shortcomings. In related work we have shown that the proprietary Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD) process can deposit high-quality, epitaxial BST thin films onto a variety of substrates. The goal of this Phase I program is to demonstrate the capability of the CCVD process to produce tunable microwave devices using CCVD-grown thin films of ferroelectric BaxSr1-xTiO3 (BST). The effect of systematically varying film composition and substrate on thin-film properties will be investigated with a special focus towards the intended wireless applications. The market for low cost, tunable microwave devices continues to grow every year as the world untethers itself from the telephone lines. Over $300 million worth wireless handsets were sold this past year and that number is projected to rise to over $1.5 billion by the year 2005. Tunable devices also benefit the manufacturers of RF radios, satellite communication equipment, and active antennas. There is a tremendous interest in low-cost phase shifters with a price target of approx. $5. This goal is achievable with the right combination of advanced thin films, low-cost substrate and high-volume deposition technology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Stollberg, David NGIMAT CO. GA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 AMPP 9165 0106000 Materials Research 0109450 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Underground Pipe Locator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using magnetic tensor gradiometry to both locate and determine the depth of buried underground and/or submerged underwater ferrous pipes. Detection and location of subsurface pipes is of great importance to the utility, natural gas, and petroleum industries. Existing techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar suffer from a number of limitations, including the inability to accurately scan through multi-component soil and water. This technique uses passive magnetic gradiometry to detect underground and underwater ferrous pipes, and is unaffected by the presence of water. Commercial magnetometer-based pipe locators do not measure enough component of the magnetic field and the magnetic gradient to be able to correctly find the depth of the buried pipe. During Phase I, the feasibility of detecting and locating one ferrous pipe in the presence of other ferrous pipes in the vicinity will be studied. A magnetic tensor gradiometer based pipe locator will first find applications in the natural gas, petroleum, and the utility industries. In addition, the gradiometer could be easily adapted to find underground structures, underwater vehicles, buried current-carrying conductors, buried unexploded ordnance and mines and concealed weapons. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kumar, Sankaran Quantum Magnetics, Inc. CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99998 5371 CVIS 1059 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109460 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Antimony-based Mid-Infrared Quantum Cascade Lasers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop mid-infrared (IR) quantum cascade lasers based on type-II indium arsenide/gallium anitmonide/aluminum antimonide (InAs/GaSb/AlSb) quantum well structures. These lasers emit radiation in the mid-IR region, enabling commercial products in fields including chemical sensing, medical diagnostics, and industrial process controls. The wavelength of Sb-based quantum cascade lasers can be tailored over a wide spectral range due to the large conduction band-offset between InAs and AlSb. In addition, because of the band-gap blocking in type-II quantum well structures, electron injection efficiencies near 100% can be achieved without requiring Bragg reflector layers. Another advantage of this material system is the small electron effective mass in InAs, contributing to reduced phonon scattering rates. Hence, the inter-sub-band quantum cascade lasers based on type-II InAs/GaSb/AlSb quantum well structures are excellent candidates for compact, reliable, efficient mid-infrared light sources operating at room temperature. Phase I will involve the design, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth, characterization, and optimization of InAs/GaInSb/AlSb quantum cascade lasers to demonstrate their feasibility of operation at low threshold current and at ambient temperatures (or at temperatures accessible with a thermoelectric cooler). High performance mid-IR quantum cascade lasers would be developed in Phase II. The first mid-IR semiconductor lasers are expected to operate under continuous wave (cw) conditions at ambient temperatures. This would enable commercial products in several fields including chemical sensing. One example is detection, at the parts per billion (ppb) level, of formaldehyde and related compounds for medical diagnosis purposes. These laser sources will potentially find other commercial and defense applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bruno, John Maxion Technologies, Inc. MD Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 98550 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109461 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Determination of Optimal Bidding Strategies and Nash Equilibria in Electric Power Markets. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses a major problem faced by participants and government regulators in the electrical power industry. The electric power industry in the United States and throughout much of the world is presently in a period of radical and rapid restructuring. The ultimate goal of much of this restructuring is lower prices, to be achieved through the development of competitive markets for electricity. These changes require new tools both for the market participants and for the market regulators. For the participants one such new tool is the ability to optimize their market decisions in order to maximize profit. For the regulators a new tool is needed to insure that the market operates without undue market power abuses by the participants. As will be shown in this proposal, the software tool needs of both the participants and regulators are quite similar. The goal of this project is the development of such a tool. PowerWorld Corporation's present customers include traditional utilities, power marketers, industry consultants, several state regulatory commissions, as well as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Many of these customers have expressed a great desire for PowerWorld to expand its products to include a detailed market simulation tool. PowerWorld Simulator, with further development, has a tremendous potential to be one of the most valuable new tools available in the coming years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Laufenberg, Mark POWERWORLD CORPORATION IL Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109462 July 15, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Precision-Biodegradable Microspheres for Sustained-Release of Bioactive Substances. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will use ink-jet printing technology to fabricate precision biodegradable microspheres, 20-200m in diameter, for sustained-release of bioactive substances. The microspheres will be fabricated at specific diameters, as determined by the application, thereby producing an excellent platform for delivery of drugs, hormones, growth factor, DNA vectors / plasmids, cytokines, and enzymes. For the initial application, the microspheres will incorporate antineoplastic agents, such as taxol, for the treatment of head and neck cancer. The physical parameters of the microspheres will be verified with a scanning electron microscope. Release kinetics profiles of the taxol loaded microspheres will be determined by in vitro pharmacokinetic modeling. Quantification of antineoplastic agent release will be performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Retention of efficacy will be tested by first fabricating the taxol microspheres and then extracting and testing the antineoplastic agent in a cell culture model of squamous cell carcinoma. The intact microspheres will also be tested in a nude mouse model of human squamous cell carcinoma. The commercial applications of this project will be in human therapeutics as an alternative to conventional administration of those drugs that have a short half-life or that cause considerable systemic effects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Romero, Andres MicroFab Technologies Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109473 July 1, 2001 SBIR/STTR Phase I: New Magnetoelastic Force/Corrosion Sensor for Cable-Stays in Bridges Using Measurement of Anhysteresis Curve. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the feasibility of direct measurement of live forces in civil infrastructures such as the cables of cable-stayed bridges, using a new magnetoelastic sensor. Knowledge of stress conditions is essential for detection of stress changes due to fatigue, overload, or corrosion and thereby, to prolong a structure's service life and/or to improve its performance. Knowledge of the stress state is also valuable for evaluating the structural integrity of cables during and after natural disasters such as earthquakes or severe winds. These measurements should be made rapidly and cost-effectively. Conventional sensors, such as strain gages and accelerometers, do not respond to stress directly. The new magnetoelastic sensor depends on the magnetic properties of structural steels in a stressed state. The sensing circuit is external to the steel, simple to install, and sensitive to in-situ stress with an error less than 3%. A magnetic property called the anhysteresis curve is measured. The commercial application of the new magnetoelastic force/corrosion sensor is in maintenance and repair of cable-stays in bridge structures and numerous other steel and metal-based infrastructural elements. The end-users include infrastructure managers, bridge engineers, and officials of transportation authorities of Federal and local governments. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Qi, Gui-Zhong InfraTech Inc MD Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99786 5371 CVIS 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0109487 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High Speed, All-Fiber, Low-Power Dense WDM Optical Switches. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop novel high-speed broadband optical switches, where the optical data do not leave a fiber waveguide. Unlike integrated optics and planar waveguides, this approach has strong advantages in lower insertion loss, higher speeds, lower drive voltages, and reduced fabrication costs. Since these devices are inherently narrow-band, they can support dramatic reduction in channel width (higher channel count) in dense wavelength division multiplexed systems. At the same time, the lower voltage and faster electro-optic switching allow greater speeds, already demonstrated in excess of 110 GigaHertz in planar devices using this technology. The commercial market for high-speed, power-efficient optical switches is among the largest in the modern economy. The potential for cost savings via improved efficiency is expected to justify the retrofit of existing infrastructure. Considering revenue increases due to capacity expansion, this technology could figure prominently in the next expansion of transcontinental, intercontinental, and metropolitan high-speed data transfer service devices, sensors, and other devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schaafsma, David IPITEK CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99873 5371 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109491 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Rare Earth Doped Polymer Optical Fiber Amplifiers. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate optical amplification in a single-mode polymer optical fiber. Phase I will: 1) incorporate various rare earth chelates into polymer systems; 2) demonstrate amplification in the material; 3) make a polymer fiber with a rare-earth core; and 4) demonstrate amplification in the fiber. Single mode polymer optical fiber waveguides will be made with a mode profile that matches that of standard silica glass fiber, thus making the amplifier fiber compatible with existing fiber-optic components. Besides applications in phased array radar, these amplifiers are expected to impact the long-haul fiber amplifier business, but it's largest impact will be in small and regional network applications, particularly for fiber-to-the-neighborhood and fiber-to-the-curb uses. The new technology will also impact the amplifier market for local intranets, as well as provide cost-effective amplifier solutions for small networks and hybrid fiber-coax cable TV systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Welker, David Sentel Technologies L.L.C. WA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99587 5371 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109500 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Surface Modified Catheters for Infection Control. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will develop a novel antimicrobial surface modification for polymeric biomaterials. This surface modification could be used to develop antimicrobial catheters, hubs, fabrics, and surfaces for medical instruments, as well as biofilm resistant dental and water lines. The need for antimicrobial catheters is great. Every year in the U.S., twenty million hospital patients are catheterized. Use of these devices places large numbers of patients at risk for a variety of catheter-related infectious complications. In U.S. ICUs approximately 500 to 4000 patients die annually of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections. The annual cost of caring for patients with central line-associated blood stream infections is $60 to $460 million. This Phase I project proposes a novel antimicrobial surface modification (1) that will covalently attach active groups to the surface of a variety of plastics, including polymers commonly used in medicine; (2) that can be formed on both the inner and outer surfaces of complex geometries; (3) that will inhibit bacterial adhesion by nonspecific oxidative destruction and by electrostatic repulsion of negatively charged bacteria; (4) that will be effective against bacteria, fungi, and spores; and (5) that will not promote increased antibiotic resistance. The primary commercial application of this project will be in the medical instrumentation market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Krause, Wendy Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0203000 Health 0109504 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Optical Fiber Chloride Sensor for Concrete Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes an optical fiber sensor to determine concentrations of chloride ions in composite concrete structures such as buildings and bridges. Maintaining the integrity of this nation's infrastructure is a major challenge, and the incursion of chloride ions into concrete is a major cause of structure failure in the U.S. To solve this problem, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) will develop an innovative distributed intrinsic fiber optic sensor (DIFOS) that will consist of an optical fiber coated with a cladding that contains an indicator sensitive to chloride ions. The cladding changes its spectral properties in the presence of chloride, causing the fiber's optical properties to reflect chloride ion concentration. The sensor will detect chloride along its entire length, reliably indicating when structures need repair or replacement. Embedded or retrofit in a concrete structure, the sensor will detect the incursion of chloride ions and provide real-time monitoring of chloride diffusion within the structure. This sensor can be used to prevent structure degradation and potential catastrophic failures. The proposed system will be a valuable tool for safeguarding concrete structures. It will be used by civil engineering and construction companies. This sensor can be embedded into new structures during fabrication and into old structures that are being repaired. In addition, the concept of an optical fiber cladding that is sensitive to different analytes can be extended to smart structures such as aircraft, ships, and buildings to increase the safety of these structures and to decrease maintenance and inspection costs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Egalon, Claudio INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99997 5371 CVIS 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0109519 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel, Non-Toxic, General Purpose Oxygen Activated Disinfectant. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a novel potent class of biocides for use in the food and medical industries. Over the last decade, the emergence of pathogenic microbes that resist conventional treatment, such as antibiotics and chemical disinfectants, has caused great concern to officials in the food and medical industries. Each year nearly two million patients contract an infection while hospitalized. During the last two decades the rate of nosocomial infections per 1,000 patient days has increased 36 percent, while in 1995 nosocomial infections cost 4.5 billion dollars and contributed to more than 88,000 deaths. These "super bugs" have also reeked havoc in the food industry as foodborne disease causes approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. The novel class of biocides proposed in this project will be generated on-site and on-demand and will contain the beneficial characteristics of ozone and carboxylic acid or alcohol-based disinfectants while eliminating their respective weaknesses. This new armamentarium of biocides will meet the criteria for an ideal disinfectant that can be recommended by public health officials for food and medical uses. The primary commercial applications of this project will be in the food and healthcare industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hitchens, G. Duncan Lynntech, Inc TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109525 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Stable High Volume Cu Precursor Evaporation Module. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address development of an advanced precursor evaporation module with a specific focus application to copper metalization. Rapid large area CVD is required for the copper seed layer or, preferably, for deposition of the full contact layer. CVD equipment manufacturers have responded to the deposition tool need; as have developers of the copper precursors to enable Cu CVD. However, the copper precursor of choice, Cupra Select TM (a liquid), has a relatively low vapor transport rate because of its low vapor pressure, compounded by a narrow temperature operating range (vapor pressure equals 0.4 Torr at 43 C and beyond ~ 45 C this precursor begins to decompose). Flash Evaporation is not a solution because of the low decomposition temperature. The limited vapor transport hinders high speed large area growth. This has led to the development of a multistep-multimachine copper metalization process (CVD seed layer followed by electrochemical deposition of the whole layer). This is tolerable but highly inefficient and hence costly. SMI proposes to create a patentable high volume liquid vaporization source. Our proposed source offers at minimum a 5 fold increase in available Cu vapor transport and is expected to allow CVD to replace the present two-step process. If successfully developed, SMI's source will be made available commercially. This effort will help accelerate the large scale manufacturing of ICs with Cu interconnects, and may apply to any other CVD process utilizing low volatility liquid precursors. An improved liquid vaporization source will find immediate use on all Cu CVD systems and hence be a strategic SMI component product. The unit will also find applications to similar temperature sensitive, low volatility liquids and well meets SMI's CVD components sales thrusts. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tompa, Gary STRUCTURED MATERIALS INDUSTRIES, INC. NJ Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109543 August 1, 2001 Reasons for Carnegie Mellon to Join PSERC. This is a proposal for Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to join Power Systems engineering research center (PSerc) PSerc is a consortium of universities and industries, formed to collaboratively tackle critical power systems problems. The inclusion of CMU in PSerc will benefit both institutions: CMU has resources that will enhance PSerc's problem solving capabilities, and PSerc will make it possible for CMU's researchers to work on problems that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. CONTROL, NETWORKS, & COMP INTE IIP ENG Talukdar, Sarosh Carnegie-Mellon University PA Alexander J. Schwarzkopf Continuing grant 205745 W242 V105 1518 OTHR 0000 0109554 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Catalyst for Near-Zero NOx Emissions from Natural Gas Fired Power Plants. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project involves the development of a catalyst to control NOx emissions from combined cycle power plants using natural gas fired turbines (natural gas fired power plants). During the Phase I effort, Guild Associates developed an environmental catalyst for the control of NOx emissions using NH3. Operating in the presence of excess (about 20-33%) NH3, the catalyst was able to achieve greater than 95% NOx reduction without NH3 slip. NH3 slip is avoided because the catalyst is able to simultaneously reduce the excess NH3 to N2 and H2O. The objective of this project is to modify the catalyst developed during the Phase I effort in order to enhance its commercial viability. Enhancing the commercial viability will involve increasing the reactivity of the catalyst and eliminating platinum metals from the formulation. Enhancing the reactivity will allow the catalyst to operate at higher space velocities. Eliminating platinum metals from the formulation will greatly reduce the cost of the catalyst. Successful completion of this effort will result in a simple, low cost technology for control of NOx emissions from natural gas fired power plants without NH3 slip. Potential Commercial Applications include the control of NOx emissions from natural gas fired power plants. Other commercial applications include controlling NOx emissions from semiconductor manufacturing, fine and specialty chemical manufacturing and nitric acid manufacturing processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Rossin, Joseph GUILD ASSOCIATES INC OH Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 599891 5373 EGCH 9197 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109570 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Wireless Firefighter Lifeline. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore a low-frequency positioning system for locating and tracking people inside of buildings. Phase I will establish system feasibility by showing that lower frequencies will not be subject to the guided-wave propagation modes caused by typical indoor structures of hallways, partition walls, and floors. These guided-wave modes can cause unacceptably large errors in indoor positioning systems. The concept will be validated by a combination of electromagnetic modeling and experiments. It is expected that a phase-only, low-frequency approach will produce high accuracy and good penetration into buildings with modest bandwidth requirements and minimum problems for licensing approval. The principal commercial application is in the firefighter market. The system will monitor not only a firefighter's position but also vital biometric data, e.g., pulse, respiration, temperature, air tank level. Further, this system will be portable, obviating the need for a supporting infrastructure. It can also be used for tracking prison guards and rescuers entering a collapsed building after an earthquake or other natural disasters. Hospitals could use this technology to track critical mobile equipment or personnel. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Halsey, James INFORMATION SYSTEMS LABORATORIES INC CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99656 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109573 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Mechanism of the Layer Transfer Process for Silicon-on-Insulator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore an improved process of manufacturing Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) wafers. The SOI process includes: (1) forming a hydrogen-rich buried layer in a donor silicon wafer; (2) prebonding the donor wafer to a handle wafer; (3) cleaving the donor wafer along the buried layer to thinner top silicon; and (4) postbonding and surface smoothing of the final SOI wafer. An initial wafer is oxidized allowing it to get the buried oxide of SOI. A new feature is an improved activation of wafer surfaces to be bonded. Activation is termination of surfaces with either hydrogen or with hydroxyl groups. Preliminary results show that the terminated surfaces contain more than a monolayer of hydrogen. And the excessive adsorbed hydrogen causes transfer faults during subsequent layer transfer. The Phase I activation process allows control of the hydrogen dose. The process uses radio frequency plasma treatment instead of wet processing. It is expected that the yield of the SOI process will be increased. The new process will be used in the silicon wafer market, which currently totals $10B annually. Estimates indicate that SOI wafers will increase to around 20% of this market within 10 years as SOI is one of the few solutions for production wafers based on less than 0.18 micron design rules. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Usenko, Alex Silicon Wafer Technologies, Inc. NJ Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109578 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Photonic Crystal Defect Cavity Enhanced Photodetector. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel photonic crystal defect cavity enhanced photodetector with wavelength selectivity, fast response speed, and low noise. By introducing photonic crystals into the design of a cavity enhanced photodetector, the problems associated with lattice matched reflector growth, low refractive index contrast, and heterojunction charge accumulation will be avoided. The photonic crystal defect cavity enhanced photodetector will be easy to fabricate and have superior performance compared with traditional detectors. The design can be expanded to photodetector arrays in many materials systems. Phase I will investigate the fabrication of photonic crystal defect cavity, characterize the photonic crystal band structure, and test p-i -n photodetector structures. Phase II would produce the prototype photodetector devices and optimize their performance. Novel products utilizing a photonic crystal defect cavity enhanced photodetector are anticipated in optical communications and telecommunications. Since silicon (Si)-based photodetectors can be easily incorporated into Si-based integrated circuits, there will be immediate commercial application to the telecommunications industry. There is also long term potential application in imaging and optical communications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Xu, Hongwei NANOSCIENCES CORP CT Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109591 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost, Cavity Ringdown Spectrometer for Gas Analysis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will lead to the development of compact, low cost gas sensors and analyzers based on cavity ringdown spectroscopy using near-infrared lasers manufactured for fiber optic communications. Although conventional cavity ringdown spectroscopy can achieve part per trillion detection limits for many gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, ammonia), few commercial applications require such extraordinary sensitivity. Instead, price and reliability are controlling factors for the sensors and analyzers market. That is why we propose a modified form of ringdown spectroscopy that should lead to low cost, compact, and rugged instruments. The Phase I effort is designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed technique which will lead to the development of a prototype instrument in Phase II. Commercial applications include industrial process analysis and control, bioreactor monitoring, and worker safety. Ideally, the sensors and analyzers will be low power (possibly battery operated), self-calibrating and self-checking devices that will be sufficiently rugged to allow in situ installation. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Bomse, David Southwest Sciences Inc NM Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 9150 AMPP 9163 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109593 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Analysis of Combinatorial Bioproducts using Absorbance-Based, Multiplexed CE (Capillary Electrophoresis). This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will develop high sample throughput methodologies via multiplexed capillary electrophoresis (CE) for applications in the areas of combinatorial synthesis and proteomics. CE has the potential to function as a platform for a high- throughput analysis system, but suffers from unacceptable variations in migration times and injection volumes. Furthermore, today's multiplexed CE systems use fluorescence detection only, which without labeling is ineffective in detecting ~90% of all known compounds. This project proposes the fabrication and validation of a 96-capillary array CE system that employs 1) absorbance-based detection, and 2) current measurement in each capillary. The former eliminates the need and problems with fluorescence, significantly expanding the scope of multiplexed CE. The latter uses the collected current to reduce migration time and injection volume variability to the levels required for routine analytical work. Success in Phase I will lead to a Phase II program in which the analysis system will be optimized and protocols for peptide mapping and combinatorial synthesis will be developed and standardized. Potential commercial applications of this project are in markets needing high throughput screening methods. Target customers for the technology include fine chemical makers that use combinatorial techniques to develop new catalysts and other materials, pharmaceutical firms that conduct high-throughput screening in drug discovery for the development of pharmaceutical compounds, biotechnology companies that utilize peptide mapping for the rapid fingerprinting of proteins, and clinical and forensic laboratories that require high-throughput screening to analyze samples and develop evidence in criminal investigations SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pang, Ho-ming CombiSep, Inc. IA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109616 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Prevention of Fibrosis of Peritoneal Hydrogel Implants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will develop the technology to inhibit and / or to prevent the fibrosis of peritoneal hydrogel implants. BioHybrid Technologies' microreactors are hydrogel-based sustained-release devices containing living cells that manufacture and secrete therapeutic substances. By encapsulating the appropriate cells derived from primary isolates, cell lines or stem cells; BioHybrid's microreactors can be geared to the treatment of a large variety of diseases. These microreactors have been shown to protect the cells from cellular and humoral immunity. However, the current design is still prone to cellular overgrowth, resulting in suffocation of cells within the microreactor and ultimately leading to microreactor failure. The objectives of this project are to determine (1) if anti-fibrotic agents included in the microreactors or those used systemically can inhibit fibrosis of microreactors, and (2) if geometric changes made to the microreactors will render them less fibrogenic. The ability to control or to eliminate the host fibrotic reaction to such microreactors would represent a major advance in this promising technology . This is likely to be the last hurdle that must be overcome to finally bring BioHybrid's microreactor technology into the clinic. The commercial applications of this project are expected to be immediate and significant. The final refinement in BioHybrid Technologies' microreactor technology is likely to lead to substantial improvements in treatment for a large number of human diseases including diabetes, Alzheimer's, liver failure, chronic pain, hemophilia, dwarfism, anemia, hypocalcemia, ALS, Parkinson's, epilepsy, Huntington's, spinal cord injuries, strokes, kidney failure, immunodeficiencies, and several others. The commercial market for these diseases is huge, measuring in billions of dollars in the U.S. alone. The therapeutic improvements that would result from this technology will lower healthcare costs and enable other technologies that can take advantage of the advances in therapeutic substance delivery. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Kuhtreiber, Willem BioHybrid Technologies Inc. MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99914 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109627 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I:Novel Use of Microspheres In Plasma Display Device. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will show the efficacy of using small hollow glass microspheres, "Plasma-spheres", as cellular-size gas containers for plasma display panels. Current plasma panel technology utilizes an "open" plasma system, which captures ionizable gas between two glass panels. This system is difficult to fabricate. Production costs are high due to time consuming gas processing techniques presently in use. If successful, the new system is expected to decrease the gas processing time significantly, thereby lowering costs, and it will allow the production of flexible plasma panels. Phase I will fabricate and gas fill the microspheres, construct prototype, monochrome Plasma-sphere panels, and compare their critical characteristics, such as efficiency, brightness, life, operating voltage requirements, with those achieved with a standard monochrome plasma panel. Successful replacement of extant open plasma systems with plasma-sphere systems can reduce costs sufficiently to make high definition television available to the home consumer market. Plasma-spheres may also extend plasma panel use to low pressure environments, e.g., high altitude and space applications, and to high-pressure environments, e.g., undersea applications. The possibility of an open flexible plastic substrate can lead to various aerospace, military, and consumer applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Henderson, Timothy IMAGING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY INC OH Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99765 5371 MANU 9148 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109644 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Laser Ultrasonic Receiver Using Polarization Self-Modulation in Photorefractive Semiconductors. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using a new type of adaptive receiver as part of a low-cost laser ultrasonic inspection system for manufacturing inspection and process control. The test of feasibility will be very high detection sensitivity, while maintaining the capability to compensate for mechanical vibrations and atmospheric turbulence that are present in the factory environment. High sensitivity helps to reduce power/energy requirements for lasers used in an inspection system and thus to reduce overall production costs. The cost of the receiver, itself, will also be lower as a result of simplicity of design. Phase I will develop analytical models to describe receiver performance, characterize receiver experimental performance, and evaluate a laboratory prototype eceiver. There is a broad need for low cost sensors for many manufacturing applications. Laser ultrasonic inspection can be used to inspect hot and/or rapidly moving parts and to scan large structural panels. Systems cost reduction is expected to justify laser ultrasonic inspection over a wider range of manufacturing applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Klein, Marvin LASSON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 71466 5371 MANU 9146 0109000 Structural Technology 0109649 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Parallel Hardware Implementation of the Split and Merge Discrete Wavelet Transform for Wireless Communication. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop the hardware implementation of a novel image compression/signal decomposition algorithm based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT). This fully parallel, low-power, scalable, multi-resolution implementation is particularly well suited for use in reduced bit-rate applications over wireless communication channels as found in the next generation of web enabled cell phones. This particular implementation is a highly efficient implementation of the wavelet transform and makes use of a novel overlap state wavelet decomposition algorithm that minimizes both memory usage and interprocessor communication overhead. Over the next decade, spiraling consumer demand for fast mobile communication of voice and IP over increasingly integrated terrestrial and satellite-based radio systems plagued by a limited electromagnetic spectrum allocation necessitates the pursuit and development of better compression algorithms at low bit-rates. As a consequence of extensive research, transform-coding techniques has come to virtually dominate every single image and video coding scheme proposed to-date. Consequently, efficient software and hardware based transform coding system designs and implementations have become a high priority objective at both academic and commercial research centers. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Moopenn, Alexander Mosaix, LLC CA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0109652 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Two-Dimensional X-Ray Diffraction Detector Using New Fluidic Self-Assembly Manufacturing Techniques. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will apply fluidic self-assembly (FSA) technology to the fabrication of large area silicon-based X-ray imaging arrays. FSA technology offers potential for cost-effective production of high-speed, high-performance X-ray imaging arrays that are now in demand for synchrotron protein crystallography, X-ray astronomy, and mammography. Silicon X-ray diode arrays and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuit chips will be micro-machined into the appropriate shapes for subsequent assembly using FSA. The FSA apparatus for transporting the micro-machined chips to the receptor substrate will be assembled and evaluated. Phase I will evaluate these techniques in fabrication of an X-ray imaging array. Phase II would include the design and fabrication of optimized detector structures and custom CMOS readout circuits, and optimization of the assembly procedures for a prototype-imaging array for synchrotron protein crystallography. Potential applications are expected in the commercial production of X-ray imaging devices for medical, scientific, and other purposes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Tull, Carolyn Photon Imaging, Inc. CA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109666 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: New Methods for Studies of Single Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will apply Multi Photon Detection (MPD) to quantify the minute amounts of proteins contained in and secreted from a single cell. The successes of genomics have led to the need for improved knowledge of the protein content of cells (proteomics). The elucidation of all proteins requires better methods for the study of low abundance proteins because the majority of "molecular switches" are expected to be expressed at less than 10,000 copies per cell. The goals of this project are to further improve the sensitivity of the MPD-enhanced immunoassays down to the level of a few zeptomole/sample, to study intracellular processing of the important family of cytokines (IL-1, IL-18) and to study the levels of caspases in a single cell. The commercial applications of the technology to be developed in this project are in the rapidly expanding proteomics market, especially in the area of low abundance proteins proteomics. This market is currently estimated at around $ 200 million and expected to grow severalfolds over the next few years. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Drukier, Andrzej BioTraces Inc VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99587 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109671 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Integrated Circuit Design for Biological Data Transmission. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop integrated, wireless transceiver Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) circuits for neuron based data acquisition (DAQ) systems. Currently available multi-channel neuron DAQ systems require a tethered connection for the surgically implanted analog head stage electronics. This wired connection limits the subject's freedom and motion. If a low power, wireless connection were possible, these limitations are eliminated. Furthermore, a wireless connection broadens the use of DAQ systems to clinical possibilities with humans. The critical design parameters for the wireless head stage transceiver circuits are 4 Million Bits per second (Mbs) data rate and 1mWatt power dissipation. The first is needed to meet the 16-channel bandwidth requirement.The second is required because of the miniature size and lightweight constraints of the battery power source needed for a wireless connection. The specific objective of the project is to design the most efficient wireless transmitter and receiver for the neuron DAQ system. Two protocols, namely, minimum Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) and Ultra Wide Band (UWB) will be considered and evaluated. This comparative evaluation, also involving Bluetooth radio chip sets, will be conducted on the basis of efficiency, layout area, noise and process immunity. Integrated CMOS filters, mixers and oscillators with off chip antennas will be simulated, designed and extracted to meet the 4Mbs and 1mWatt benchmark. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of neuroprosthetics to restore sensory and motor function in patients with neural damage. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Morizio, James Triangle Biosystems, Inc. NC Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98030 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109672 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Low Cost, Disposable Microfluidic Manifolds for Lab-On-a-Chip (LOC) Technologies. 0109672 Scherer This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project seeks to develop a low cost, disposable microfluidic manifold that includes a micropump for lab-on-a-chip (LOC) applications. The microfluidic devices will be engineered for integration with disposable chemical and biological LOC detector systems. The key objectives in this Phase I project are : (1) to construct and to test a proof of principle system, (2) to assess the compatability of the technology for an array of LOC applications, (3) to design an integrated microfluidic system, and (4) to determine specifications of the Phase II prototype. The commercial applications of this project are expected to be in a broad range of markets, extending from specialty medical industries to general consumer products. Examples of commercial devices that may potentially incorporate this technology include chemical analysis systems, drug delivery systems, MEMS actuator systems and embedded health monitoring systems. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scherer, James LOS GATOS RESEARCH INC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109679 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nonintrusive Species Specific Velocimeter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an optical instrument that measures velocity distribution in a flame species by species---and on multiple scale sizes---with an accuracy of 1%. This novel velocimeter is nonintrusive and passive, relying completely on light emitted by the flame itself. The instrument will be developed with experts in commercial combustion chemical-vapor deposition, a process that inexpensively produces thin-film coatings for a variety of applications, including electronics, glass, anti-corrosives, superconductors, catalytics, polymers, and nanopowders. The velocimeter will monitor species mixing and velocity in the flame, facilitating "smart" deposition that can streamline real-time process control and increase the reliability of the coating process. The instrument will map the velocity of the flame as a whole. Phase 1 will prove the feasibility of species-specific, variable-scale-size velocimetry. Phase II will perform a proof-of-principle demonstration with a prototype instrument. The principal commercial application is smart deposition that monitors real-time species-specific velocity distribution in a flame to maintain flame consistency and maximize deposition efficiency. Other potential applications include plasma-based manufacturing and plasma thruster control. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Flusberg, Allen Science Research Laboratory Inc MA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99933 5371 AMPP 9165 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109687 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A High Power, High Efficiency W-Band Amplifier. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project, A High Power, High Efficiency W-band Amplifier, is a new W-band, high-power microwave source. A point design based on a frequency of 11.424 gigaHertz (GHz) at the input cavity produces a one megawatt output at 91.4 GHz. It has a 51.5% system efficiency and 57.9 decibel (dB) gain. Phase I will make a detailed analysis to establish credible estimates of radio-frequency power, pulse length, emittance, efficiency, gain, and other key parameters. This W-band amplifier will provide a high power, high-frequency source suitable for many applications, such as improved tracking and mapping in atmospheric and near-atmospheric studies. Benefits will accrue to: (1) High resolution planetary mapping studies using inverse synthetic aperture radar, affording an improved signal to noise ratio at short wavelengths; (2) Cloud physics studies with greater range at improved resolutions; and (3) Space debris detection and tracking of near earth asteroids with improved accuracy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Zaidman, Ernest FM TECHNOLOGIES INC VA Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99999 5371 EGCH 1317 0510304 Electron & Energy Sources 0109691 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Automated Analyzer for Drug Delivery Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will develop a new class of real time aerosol mass spectrometers (AMSs) for analysis of respirable powder and liquid aerosol in pulmonary drug delivery systems. Three parameters control the effective delivery of drugs to the lungs: (1) the number density of entrained aerosol particles per unit volume of respirable fluid; (2) the particle size distribution; (3) the concentrations of active ingredients as a function of particle size. Aerosol Mass Spectrometers, with proper calibration, can measure all three parameters simultaneously. Aerodyne Research, Inc. (ARI), in collaboration with several university research groups, has developed, demonstrated, and commercialized an innovative and quantitative AMS system. With suitable modification and calibration, this system could greatly reduce the time and effort required to characterize pulmonary drug delivery systems, both for research and for production quality assurance. This Phase I project will design and test a real-time AMS system to characterize novel pulmonary drug delivery systems. The principal commercial application of this project will be in the pulmonary drug delivery analyzer market. Potential customers are likely to include drug delivery companies, pharmaceutical companies, academic research organizations and regulatory agencies. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Worsnop, Douglas Aerodyne Research Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109693 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Device for Flat Panel Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating a carbon nanotube based field emission device (FED) and of operating FEDs. The approach is a natural extension of the patented Nanotube Catalyst Retaining Structure (NCRS) method. Phase I is expected to overcome limitations that have prevented FEDs from successful use in the established liquid crystal display (LCD) market and to initiate a broad range of other applications that require growth of aligned carbon nanotubes as functional elements of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). This new concept in nanotechnology will be useful in application of carbon nanotubes as functional elements of integrated circuit (IC) and MEMS devices involving a multi-layered structure of metal, insulator, and carbon nanotubes. Potential commercial applications are expected in field emission displays, electron microscopes, illumination devices, sensors, and similar devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir XIDEX CORPORATION TX Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0109696 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Molecular Level Nanoassembly of Optical Fiber-Based Breathing Sensors. This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I (SBIR) project will investigate the feasibility of utilizing nanoscale molecular self-assembly methods to synthesize high performance optical fiber-based humidity sensors for breathing diagnostics. NanoSonic proposes to use molecular-level electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) processing methods to form multilayered, interleaved metal nanocluster and polymer thin films on the ends of optical fibers. Initial studies have shown that these small, robust and safe optical fiber sensors respond to humidity over a wide range of relative humidities, with a response time of milliseconds or less. All of these factors overcome current significant limitations in the fabrication of breathing monitors for clinical diagnostics. The commercial applications of this project will be in clinical research and in home health care management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Cooper, Kristie Nanosonic Incorporated VA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99999 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109699 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Identification and Enhancement of Coalbed Methane Methanogenesis. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will examine the feasibility of culturing naturally occurring bacterial consortium that exist in coal seams. These bacteria generate the bulk of the 450 million cubic feet of methane now being recovered daily from coal seams in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. However, only indirect studies have thus far been carried out on the character, environment, and activity of these organisms. Isolating the bacterial consortium will allow development of methods to detect critical parameters for biogenesis in the field and to determine conditions under which this biogenesis may be optimized. The commercial application of this project is in detection of new methane rich coal seams and in enhancement of methane production from existing coal seams. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Herries, John WELLDOG, INC. WY Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 9150 BIOT 9181 9104 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0313000 Regional & Environmental 0109700 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Cluster Ion Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) - MS/MS by Coincidence. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will test Cesium Iodide cluster ion beams as an alternative to lasers for desorbing bioions from a MALDI ((Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) matrix. This offers the possiblity of performing the post source decay tandem mass spectrometry on an event by event basis, making possible the application of coincidence techniques which allow specific correlations to be made between metastable parent ions and their ionic fragments. This is an anaolgy to what has already been demonstrated for 252Cf fission fragment plasma desorption mass spectroscopy of bioions. Thus post source decay becomes a true MS/MS technique. There is also the possiblity that the use of cluster ions can increase the fragmentation and the degree of metastability of the desorbed bioions compared to using a laser. If so, the cluster deorption technique may be more suitable than lasers for imaging biomolecules on materials such as polymers or tissue slices. This Phase I project proposes to develop a cheap and reliable cluster ion source for MALDI. At the conclusion of Phase II, this ion source could be combined with a curve field reflector TOF mass spectrometer and marketed as a new approach to post source decay measurements. The commercial applications of this project will be in the area of biomolecular mass spectrometry. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schultz, J. Albert IONWERKS, INC TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99647 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109702 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Out-of-Plane Ultrasonic Inspection of Paper Materials. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project investigates advanced ultrasonic techniques for out-of-plane laboratory inspection of paper materials. Experimental ultrasonic test methods are available to probe thickness direction elasticity, predict internal bond strength of paperboard, detect delamination defects in multi-ply boards, and evaluate the softness of tissue products. However, an analysis of these methods indicates serious shortcomings in the measuring principles: presence of interfering signals, poor resolution, simplified interpretation of sound attenuation commercial ultrasonic instrument already exists to investigate wetting and liquid penetration in paper, but the technique cannot distinguish between penetrating depth and amount of penetrating liquid. Also, other measurement needs such as coating thickness evaluation are not addressed. Since the future of the U.S.Pulp and Paper Industry largely stands on the manufacturing of low volume but high quality value-added products, product development, superior quality, and end-use performance are critical elements of a competitive market environment. In that context, SoniSys plans to develop new ultrasonic measuring tools, which will sustain the subsequent development of a versatile commercial ultrasonic instrument for out-of-plane paper inspection. SoniSys anticipates at least seven market segments for its instrument in the paper industry: (1) Nondestructive prediction of internal bond strength and evaluation of board structural integrity (paperboard mills;paper testing companies); (2) Measurement of elastic stiffness for product development, quality control purposes and calibration of on-line measurements (paper and paperboard mills;R&D centers); (3) Detection and localization of delamination defects (paperboard mills); (4) Investigation of amount of penetrating liquid and liquid penetrating depth in wetting and liquid penetration tests (paper and paperboard mills, R&D centers); (5) Determination of coating thickness and assessment of paper substrate-coating layer interface (paper and paperboard mills,R&D centers); (6) Quantitative evaluation of bulk and surface tissue softness (tissue industry); and (7) Testing of wood coupons and prediction of pulp and paper properties from raw materials (pulp and forest industries). . SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Brodeur, Pierre SoniSys, LLC GA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 99974 5371 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109719 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Rubbed Protein Substrates for Low Cost Biochips Based on Liquid Crystals. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will initiate the development of an entirely new class of biochips, with a particular focus on biochips designed to track the expression, activation and post-translational modification of proteins involved in cell signaling processes. These biochips will be widely applicable to the field of proteomics. The technology is based on the use of liquid crystals to image biomolecular interactions at structured surfaces. The goal of this project is to demonstrate that substrates for liquid crystal-based biochips can be prepared from mechanically rubbed films of protein that are covalently attached to glass substrates. The important issues of non-specific adsorption, binding of specific target proteins and stability of rubbed protein films will be addressed. This approach to fabrication of biochips aims to leverage the manufacturing knowledge generated over past decades for liquid crystal display technology and thereby provide low cost biochips with potential for broad impact.This class of biochip has the potential to be extremely rapid (minutes), to be highly sensitive (magnitudes more sensitive than gels and ELISA), to be inexpensive (less than $0.20/determination) and when combined with microfluidics, to make possible the imaging of large numbers of proteins simultaneously . The commercial applications of the technology and the products to be developed in this project will be in well defined markets, ranging from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to general scientific research laboratories that are conducting research in cellular signalling pathways. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Israel, Barbara PLATYPUS TECHNOLOGIES L L C WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98041 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109728 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I:Development of a Novel Sensing Material for Waterborne Pathogens. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will develop a novel sensing coating that will be deposited on filters for the detection of water-borne contaminants. The initial target will be the oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum, a water- borne pthogen. C. Parvum was responsible for the outbreak of cryptosporidiosis affecting 400,000 in Milwaukee WI in 1993 and other smaller outbreaks. Cryptosporidiosis is characterized by abdominal pain and severe diarrhea, and can be fatal to immune-compromised individuals. There is currently no easy and reliable test for C. parvum that allows routine monitoring of drinking water supplies. The proposed research will develop a sensing polymer coating, with antibodies and fluorophores incorporated, on a nanoporous membrane. The membrane will be used as filter to simultaneously concentrate and detect C. parvum in water. Binding of C. parvum to the coating will lead to a fluorescent signal. The Phase I research will focus on antibody conjugation to the polymer, fluorophore incorporation, and coating preparation, with the aim of demonstrating the feasibility of the sensing material. In Phase II, the materials will be optimized and incorporated into a detector that will combine filtration and fluorescence detection for monitoring drinking water supplies. The principal commercial application of this project will be for detection of water-borne contaminants in our drinking water supplies, with a potential market comprising of a majority of public water systems in the country. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reppy, Mary ANALYTICAL BIOLOGICAL SERVICES INC. DE Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 97456 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109730 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Nanocrystalline Fe-Co For Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Suppression. This Small Business Innovation (SBIR) Phase I Project proposes to produce soft magnetic Fe-Co nanocomposites with end applications in EMI suppression, motors, generators, magnetic bearings, magnetic recording heads and many advanced electric systems. High performance electronic color image display has become a standard feature of many modern commercial products. These products must use timing circuits and operating frequencies from as low as 30 MHz to over 130 MHz. Wide bandwidth electromagnetic interference (EMI) noises are inherent to these characteristically high frequency architecture systems. Hence development of cost effective and high performance materials are of great interest to prevent EMI. Excellent magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Fe-Co can find an important application in EMI prevention devices. In accordance with this development, Materials Modification Inc. (MMI) proposes to synthesize and process Fe-Co nanocomposites by the powder metallurgy (P/M) route. MMI has expertise in nanopowder processing techniques that can be easily scaled up for production. Upon completion of this Phase I project, an advanced Fe-Co soft magnet with high permeability, large saturation magnetization, low energy loss (hysteretic and eddy current), and high temperature properties will be developed. Composition and structure will be tailored at the nano-scale to obtain the desired mechanical and magnetic properties required for EMI suppression devices. The nanocrystalline Fe-Co soft magnets can be used in EMI prevention devices, motors and transformers, generators, magnetic bearings, data communication interface components, magnetic recording heads, sensors, and reactors. Fe-Co nanocomposite with superior magnetic properties, low core-loss, and creep resistance at elevated temperatures can be used in integral starter/generation (ISGs) and power units (IPUs) in a modern aircraft. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sudarshan, T. Materials Modification Inc. VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109731 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Ultrasensitive Gas Chromatography (GC) Detector with Highly Specific Response to Aromatic Hydrocarbons. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project details the roadmap to rapid commercialization of a powerful new gas chromatography (GC) detector, the Aromatic Specific Laser Ionization Detector (ArSLID). Like a conventional photoionization detector (PID), the ArSLID creates ions by photoabsorption. But its two-photon laser ionization process confers many significant advantages over the PID, including: extraordinarily low limit of detection, potentially the lowest of any GC detector; extremely fast response ideally suited for fast GC; miniscule background signal; far higher selectivity for aromatic hydrocarbons; stable esponse over long periods of time; and compatible with all carrier gases, including air. Preliminary data taken with a prototype ArSLID already show the low background, selectivity, and sensitivity; it is as sensitive as any PID (ca. 1 pg toluene injected on-column). At least an order of magnitude further improvement will be achieved in Phase I with incorporation of a compact, low cost microchip laser ionization source that also offers much higher pulse repetition frequency and shot-to-shot stability compared to the laser source used to date. The ArSLID will find numerous applications that are difficult or impossible for a PID to meet. In the case of environmental analysis, the signals from the toxic and hazardous aromatic species (specifically the BTEX fraction) are too often buried in the aliphatic signals with a PID. Similarly, in pharmaceutical analysis, approximately 75% of the drugs contain an aromatic moiety and it is often challenging to find the drugs or their metabolites in the sea of endogenous compounds. It is estimated the annual sales of PIDs for GC detectors at $21 million and expect to rapidly capture a significant fraction of this market owing to the superior performance capabilities of the ArSLID. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Very, Brian DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 9150 EGCH 9188 5371 0313010 Air Pollution 0109733 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: No Preparation, Flexible, Dry Physiological Recording Electrodes. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel and flexible, dry, physiological recording electrode that conforms to non-planar surfaces and does not require extensive surface preparation or conductive gels to achieve a low impedance interface with the body. This innovative electrode will be fabricated inexpensively using microfabrication techniques and priced competitively with existing commercial electrodes despite its enhanced performance and features. The proposed dry electrode will provide substantial improvement in all areas of biomedical research and medicine that involve use of electro- physiological potentials such as EEG, EMG, EOG, and ECG signals. This unique electrode is particularly well suited for long-term and multiple electrode physiological monitoring as compared to existing commercial electrodes,since multiple electrodes can be easily fabricated into a single array with a common connector, thereby simplifying application. Additionally, by providing a low impedance interface with the body, this electrode will eliminate the need for an electrolytic gel or the need to abrade the skin prior to applying the electrode. The commercial applications of this project will follow directly from the development of the novel electrode (Orbital Research Dry Physiological Recording Electrode) that seeks to improve electro-physiological signal quality (for EEGs, EMGs, ECGs or EOGs), eliminates the harsh side effects and signal deterioration common with existing electrodes and is competitively priced. By enhancing quality of life at no additional cost, this biomedical innovation is expected to lead to new long-term monitoring applications. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Lisy, Frederick ORBITAL RESEARCH INC OH Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109736 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Trait-Targeted Activation Tagging in Rice. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop an innovative approach for targeting genes involved in a specific trait or pathway using the model cereal plant, rice. Rice is known to have highly conserved disease resistance signal transduction pathways and yet so far a very few signaling molecules have been studied. Application of Activation Tagging methods may allow for the discovery mechanisms involved in disease and other defense-related signal transduction pathways. Therefore, instead of using the common activation tagging vector, this project proposes to use a rice chitinase gene promoter RCH10 and luciferase reporter gene fusion expression cassette in activation tagging T-DNA binary vector to activate genes in defense-responsive pathways. This approach will allow the identification of chitinase or chitinase-related genes or transcription factors in luc+ expressed rice tissues and plants both at earlier and in later stages of the experiment. The RCH10 gene promoter is highly inducible during pathogen response both in plants and in cell culture and therefore, transformed and non-transformed in vitro tissues and leaf discs can easily be subjected to high throughput screening. This trait-targeted activation tagging approach will enable collection of only chitinase or chitinase-related overexpressed phenotypes and thereby expedite the process of gene isolation and recapitulation of potential disease resistance phenotypes in rice. The commercial applications of this project will be in agriculture for screening and isolation of agronomically important genes in major crops. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bommineni, Venkat Exelixis Plant Sciences, Inc. OR Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 95416 5371 BIOT 9181 0201000 Agriculture 0109737 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Baculovirus-mediated Gene Silencing Biocontrol Agent. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project seeks to modify insect viruses for the purpose of generating a new class of species-specific insect biocontrol agents. The approach will combine the emerging technique of RNA inhibition (RNAi) with existing baculovirus technology to generate recombinant insect viruses capable of targeting individual or closely related insect pests with great specificity . Standard molecular biology techniques will be used to engineer baculoviruses containing a portion of an essential host insect gene inserted between convergent promoters, which when activated by host transcription factors, will synthesize both the sense and antisense RNA strands of the inserted gene. This double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecule specifically inhibits the expression of the corresponding gene in the host insect, thereby killing the animal. Standard bioassays will be performed in which the recombinant baculovirus will be delivered to host insects by feeding or injection, and the LD50 of this virus will be compared to that for an unmodified baculovirus and for a recombinant baculovirus expressing an insect neural toxin. The commercial application of this project will be in the market for insect biocontrol agents. The recombinant insect viruses have the potential to serve as highly selective and environment- friendly insect biocontrol agents that kill pest insects faster than unmodified viruses and with greater specificity than viruses expressing insecticidal toxins that also affect beneficial insects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chouinard, Scott CAMBRIA BIOSCIENCES, LLC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 98182 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109743 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Printable Conducting Polymers for Polymeric Electronic Circuits. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop printable, soluble conducting polymers that can be crosslinked using ultra violet light. These printable, conducting polymers can be printed using photolithography into thin films with 2-dimensional features ranging from solid thin films for flexible displays to highly detailed features for printed wiring boards and multi chip modules. These printed conducting polymers will also be low-cost, flexible, lightweight and mechanically more robust than inorganic electronics. Soluble, conductive polymers will be synthesized with functional groups that can be crosslinked by a polymerization reaction induced by ultraviolet light. Thin films will be cast onto substrates and then rendered insoluble by the crosslinking polymerization under ultra violet light. The kinetics of photopolymerization will be measured and optimized to maximize the resolution of photoimaging for micron sized conducting features. An engineering analysis will be performed to determine if the process conditions, printing resolution and conductivity of our proposed conducting polymers is commercially attractive for electronics applications. Commercial applications for printable conducting polymers include flexible displays, printed wiring boards, multi chip modules, transistors, and light emitting diodes especially when the combination of conductivity and the properties of plastics (flexibility, mechanical stability, etc.) are desired. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Elliott, Brian TDA Research, Inc CO Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109745 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Novel Ultra-High Resolution Technique for the Fabrication of Nanoelectronic Device Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new approach for the fabrication of periodic nanoelectronic device arrays. Processing of structures on the sub-100nm scale poses significant challenges due to limited resolution of available lithographic methods. The proposed technique will address the deficiencies of the existing nanofabrication approaches by directly growing nanostructures inside a molecularly self-assembled NanoWell shadow mask, which offers an unprecedented atomic-scale control over the nanostructure size. During the proposed research, a silica shadow mask with cylindrical pores ~3-30 nm, or NanoWells, will be self-assembled employing organic surfactant molecules. Silicon nanorods will be grown inside NanoWells by both CVD and sputtering, followed by chemical removal of a shadow mask. An array of Si nanorod LEDs will be fabricated to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach as well as the quantum size effect for the Si nanorods. If successful, this cost effective, high-throughput, and ultra-high precision technique will figure into a wide range of electronic device array applications such as sensors, processors, memories and displays, and provide enhanced miniaturization, speed, and power reduction. The proposed technique will offer the dramatically improved nanoprocessing capabilities for the fabrication of flat panel displays, sensor arrays, quantum dots, nanomagnetics, image and signal processors. It will have a broad range of potential applications in commercial microelectronics and image processing industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Guliants, Elena Taitech, Inc. OH Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99635 5371 MANU 9146 9102 1415 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109753 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Distributed Sensor Networks for Autonomous Management of Small Parts Inventories. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses an automated vendor-managed inventory (VMI) system for distributors of small parts. Small parts inventories introduce several difficulties because of the large quantities that are maintained and the multitude of different part types that have similar physical appearances. For such systems, where inventory is stored in many racks of bins, it is labor intensive to provide continuous accountability for each part. Distributors are often left with two choices: maintain high inventory levels to avoid short-term surges in demand; or monitor levels closely by hand to ensure an adequate supply without unnecessary overhead. Phase I will develop an economical means of providing real-time usage statistics for small parts through the use of intelligent electronic sensing bins. Each bin reports the quantity of parts enclosed to a central communications module, which in turn compiles a report listing the replenishment requirements for each part. This information is then provided to vendors so that they may create a timely order for the customer. VMI technology will find use by suppliers that wish to provide VMI services to a large number of small clients. By avoiding continuous human monitoring and intervention, VMI will be applied to small contracts, resulting in savings for both parties. This technology is expected to be used in the industrial fastener market, which is growing at a rate of 3.7% annually. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Garman, Christopher Redpoint Controls, LLC WV Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99774 9150 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109756 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Thermostable Phage DNA Polymerases: Improved Tools for Genomics Research. 0109756 Schoenfeld This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop new thermostable bacteriophage and archaeaviral DNA polymerases for use as improved reagents for DNA amplification, sequence analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection. This will be accomplished by direct isolation of thermophilic bacteriophage and archaeaviral genomes from hot springs, construction of expression libraries and screening for novel thermostable DNA polymerase activities. The proposed approach is expected to be significantly more rapid and comprehensive than traditional approaches that have been used for enzyme discovery. These traditional approaches rely on the limiting intermediate step of culturing a microbe and its cognate virus. In contrast, the proposed approach on this project will allow screening of all expressible viral DNA polymerases present, including those from unculturable phage that is believed to predominate in the environment. The primary commercial application of this project will be in the marketing of novel thermostable DNA polymerases to organizations involved in genomics research for use as improved reagents for specific molecular biology methods. . SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Schoenfeld, Thomas LUCIGEN CORPORATION WI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99052 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109762 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Development of Integrated Fluid/Solid/Bio-Kinetic Simulation Software for the Characterization of Microsphere-based Bio-analytic Systems. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I (SBIR) project will demonstrate the feasibility and value of advanced simulation methodology for the prediction of biomolecular binding on the surface of microspheres used in biosensing applications. Models in current use employ many ad-hoc assumptions, particularly related to convective mass transport. Large, systematic errors are commonly encountered in predictive efforts. Novel, high-fidelity simulations proposed here hold the promise of providing a systematic understanding of the complex interaction between multiphase flow, diffusion and surface chemistry. An integrated simulation environment featuring Discrete Particle Simulations (suited for small beads) and Chimera Particle Simulations (for larger beads) will be developed in Phase I. Detailed bead-surface chemistry models (featuring finite-rate adsorption, desorption and conversion to irreversible state) will be developed and fully coupled to the flow model. The technique will be demonstrated using Immunoflow , a food bio-sensor based on fluidization developed at Utah State University. Both flow and binding simulation results will be validated against experiments. In Phase II, both Discrete and Chimera particle techniques will be further developed along with more generalized, user specifiable surface reaction mechanisms and model development for bio-molecule specific binding phenomena. The commercial application of the technology and the software to be developed in this project is in the area of biosensors for marketing to the biotechnology community. The product will enable the rapid creation of the next generation of optimized biosensors while simultaneously enhancing the fundamental understanding of biochemical processes. The technology would also benefit research in the traditional chemical and pharmaceutical industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sundaram, Shivshankar CFD RESEARCH CORPORATION AL Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99968 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109764 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Harsh Environment Fluid Viscosity-Density Sensor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will address bulk micromachining of single crystal silicon carbide and III-V nitride semiconductors to develop miniaturized fluid density and viscosity sensors based on acoustic wave (AW) principles. Phase I will develop sensors capable of precisely measuring fluid viscosity and density over wide limits under harsh operating conditions: high pressure, high temperature, corrosive, or abrasive. The harsh environments require fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for fluid viscosity-density sensors from silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium-aluminum nitride (GaN-AlN) compounds, which have high melting temperatures (1700-3000 degrees Centigrade) and favorable chemical and mechanical properties. Phase I will test the feasibility of the micromachined SiC-AlN fluid viscosity-density sensors by fabricating an unpackaged pre-prototype device from these materials and demonstrate the measurement of viscosity and density in a variety of fluids at various temperatures and pressures. Harsh-environment MEMS fluid viscosity and density sensors have commercial applications in boreholes for oil exploration and production, monitoring of engine fluids in automobiles, aerospace and military vehicles, and monitoring chemical synthesis and production processes. These devices are expected to increase oil-well production at reduced cost, promote more efficient use of engine fluids resulting from direct and continuous feedback of fluid characteristics, and enable real-time in situ monitoring of chemical processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mlcak, Richard BOSTON MICROSYSTEMS INC MA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 100000 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109773 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Single-Pass Growth of Full Color Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) Displays Using a Scanning Localized Evaporation Methodology (SLEM). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project involves a novel technique to fabricate full-color organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays in a cost-effective manner. The proposed scanning localized evaporation methodology (SLEM) circumvents the need for using elaborate substrate patterning and large vacuum chambers (to attain film uniformity), currently employed to manufacture OLED flat-panel displays (FPDs). The benefits of SLEM over current fabrication methodologies stem from its parallel processing of various layers, as opposed to sequential techniques. Dedicating a SLEM head to a particular material, multiple evaporating heads are integrated into a unit that yields full-color OLED displays in a single pass. Current projections indicate that using this technique, deposition time for growing all layers for a 3"x4" OLED display (consisting of an array of 270 360 pixels) is estimated to be in the range of 3 to 7 minutes. Considering the wastage in material supplies and equipment infrastructure needed for conventional OLED processing, dedicated SLEM units would provide significant cost advantages in manufacturing OLED displays for various applications. SLEM represents a natural evolution of thermal evaporation that incorporates many features of ink-jet printing. This will naturally allow the production of inexpensive, larger and flexible OLED displays to claim a significant share of the FPD market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Phely-Bobin, Thomas Optoelectronics Systems Consulting Inc. CT Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99956 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109774 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Polymeric Amplification for Rapid Listeria Monocytogenes Detection. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to demonstrate how a radically new technology can be applied to real-time detection of food-borne pathogens. Current ready-to-eat food inspection test methods require 3-6 days due to the need to enrich the pathogenic population to the point to make them detectable. During this time, the food is stored, awaiting the results of the tests. This method necessitates additional expenses and resources to store and track the tested lots and reduces the market shelf-life by as much as a week. With the proposed approach, detection of pathogens can be done in real-time as part of the food processing work flow. This is possible because of an innovative technology involving the use of a proprietary amplifying polymer that greatly amplifies detection events. This polymer has been shown to detect subfemtogram masses of inorganic compounds. In the proposed research, proven methods of identifying Listeria will be coupled to the amplifying polymer, resulting in a highly sensitive detection mechanism that will eliminate the need to grow enriched cultures. The immediate commercial application of this project will be for the inspection of ready-to-eat foods that are subject to Listeria contamination. The low cost and convenience of the system will be attractive to in-plant quality control inspectors, government regulators and institutional users. The broader applications of the basic sensor platform would be for detection of other food borne pathogens and of pathogenic releases in laboratories and in the general environment. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Clarke, Jean NOMADICS, INC OK Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99976 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 9102 5371 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109778 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Immunoconjugate Luminescent Sensors Based on CdTe/CdS Nanoparticles. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to design a nanoparticle-monoclonal antibody conjugate that is capable of detecting select biological warfare agents including Brucella and Francisella. This novel approach to detection is effective, sensitive, selective, inexpensive and truly portable. The system uses an innovative detection method involving two wavelengths of fluorescence, which further increases selectivity and sensitivity. The sensor mechanism uses a thin film of conjugate that can be exploited in a number of ways for detection of other pathogens of relevance to both military and non-military sectors. The commercial applications of the technology to be developed in this project will be in the area of counter-terrorism and in medical, food, agricultural and related fields where pathogen contamination must be detected. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Chen, Wei NOMADICS, INC OK Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99995 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109786 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Advanced Inhalation Dosage Method. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel drug delivery method for treatment of diseases and symptoms that currently require intravenous, subcutaneous injections or oral intake. This method is based on the use of drugs in an extremely fine and ultra lightweight particle form called AerohalantTM that is especially formulated for advanced inhalation therapy. AerohalantTM particles will have much higher tendency to stay aloft than state-of-the-art inhalants and next generation inhalants currently under development by the pharmaceutical companies. AerohalantTM particles will reach mucous membranes of the innermost part of the patients' lungs without depositing any matter in the throat or the thoracic region, and therefore, utilize most of the tennis court sized alveolar surface area inside human lungs. These ultra light drug particles, on contact with thin fluid layer on mucous membranes in the alveoli, can dissolve and reach the blood stream much faster than by state-of-the art inhalants, subcutaneous, intravenous injections and orally ingested medications. Alternately, these particles could also be designed to release slowly. This Phase I project proposes to produce one commonly injected pharmacotherapeutic agent in the special powder form and to conduct feasibility tests with respect to suspension characteristics of Aerohalant TM particulates in the air, the in vitro activity, and the rate of dissolution and absorption. The commercial applications of this project are in the medical field for production of inhalable forms of common therapeutic drugs. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Henry, John ASPEN SYSTEMS INC MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109789 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Fisheries Data Fusion. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a tool for fisheries biomass assessment that fuses airborne LIDAR with ship-borne SONAR data. This is expected to be an improved survey technique that extends a fishery survey area while also increasing the quality of the data that is collected. Phase I will apply the system to two important fisheries issues: the decline of the endangered Stellar Sea Lion population in the presence of commercial fishing; and the need for increased information for salmon life cycle modeling. Both of these issues impact thousands of lives in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The mathematical relationship between LIDAR and SONAR backscatter will be established. A prototype fusion engine will be developed and validated on existing data from the North Pacific. The system will be migrated to a web-based prototype LIDAR-SONAR data fusion engine for use in the fisheries management and scientific communities. A real-time data fusion engine will be deployed for future fish survey operations. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG Rogers, Eric Scientific Fishery Systems, Inc AK Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 9150 EGCH 9189 5371 0117000 Marine Mammal Protection 0206000 Telecommunications 0109790 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: High-Throughput, Multiple Scanned-Head Critical Dimension Atomic Force Microscope (CD-AFM). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a multiple scanned-head Critical Dimension Atomic Force Microscope (CD-AFM) with high throughput as a CD metrology tool. Phase I will develop key design innovations for commercial in-line production quality control in: (a) multiple scanned CD-AFM heads, each dedicated to scanning one site; and (b) a modular, high-performance head design that enables greatly reduced move-acquire-measure (MAM) time. The principal commercial application is to replace CD Scanning Electron Microscopes (CD-SEMs) as the semiconductor industry's primary CD metrology tool for in-line production quality control. Other applications are seen in micromanipulators for microelectronics, including mask repair, and in biology. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Mancevski, Vladimir XIDEX CORPORATION TX Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109792 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: BioTELL - A Novel Biosensor for Microbes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will test new methods to detect and distinguish similar strains of the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae. Ninety-five percent of systemic infections in childhood are caused by H. influenzae strains of the serotype b. They include meningitis, sepsis, epiglottitis, pneumonia and otitis media. Bacterial meningitis and epiglottitis are life-threatening diseases with a lethality of five percent to twenty-five percent. Thus, a real-time sensor capable of detecting specific strains of H. influenzae in the parts-per-trillion range is needed. Any new detection device must be highly sensitive and selective, miniature, self-diagnostic, low cost, have rapid response time, and require no sample preparation. This Phase I project proposes such a novel point-of-care detection device for highly sensitive determination of H. influenzae and other bacteria strains. This approach builds on recent research conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory using microcantilevers as sensor platforms. The BioTELL sensor will consist of an array of microcantilevers with one surface derivatized by an antibody coating receptive to H. influenzae antigens. The commercial applications of this project will be in the biosensor market for detection of H. influenzae and other disease causing microorganisms. The primary customers for products developed through this project are expected to include pediatricians, general practitioners and consumer households. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Hansen, Karolyn QGENICS Biosciences, Inc. TN Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109798 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Novel Silyl Ether Protecting Groups for RNA/DNA Synthesis. This Small Business Research Phase I project will develop novel silyl protecting groups for RNA/DNA oligonucleotide synthesis. The synthesis of RNA is more difficult than DNA because a more complex protection scheme for nucleoside monomers is required. The 5-silyl-2-orthoester (2-ACE) strategy addresses this problem and provides RNA of excellent purity and yield. This achievement is invaluable to RNA scientists studying molecular biology or developing therapeutic strategies. Such research absolutely requires synthetic oligonucleotides that often incorporate modifications and are made by no other means. The goal of this SBIR Phase I proposal is to reduce the cost and increase the reliability of RNA synthesis so that amidites can be provided to the scientific community. The new silyl groups to be developed will facilitate nucleoside monomer preparation by improving selectivity for 5-protection and will promote economical purification strategies including crystallization. Nucleosides 5-protected with potential silyl candidates will be examined for their stability, ease of deprotection during solid phase synthesis, and amenability to incorporation of chromophores for real-time assays of coupling efficiency The commercial application of this project will be in the rapidly growing RNA synthesis market to support research endeavors in molecular biology and drug design. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scaringe, Stephen DHARMACON INC CO Gregory T. Baxter Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109801 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Hypertension Treatment Responder Prediction. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop the software platform, GeneRx, to incorporate pharmacogenetics and nonlinear adaptive algorithms toward optimizing anti-hypertension therapy on a patient specific basis. Preliminary studies on the psychotropic drug, olanzapine, show a 40% patient-by-patient error between predicted starting dose and optimal therapeutic dose, using a prototype trained only with patient chart information. This is a significant reduction from the range of starting doses for olanzapine currently used, which is from 1 to 80 mg/day. Anti-hypertensive drugs, like psychotropic drugs, have a large window of therapeutic options, including significant variation in dosages, medications, and combinations of therapies used. Using patient information and blood samples from a hypertension study done elsewhere, this Phase I project proposes to apply GeneRx to include genetic data in the modeling of hypertension treatment in combination with patient chart data. Genetic data for each patient will be acquired by genotyping DNA from the blood samples, scored as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present or absent in key hypertension-related genes. GeneRx will take a patient's individual genetic, demographic, and environmental variables and predict if initial diuretic medication or initial beta-blocker medication will be effective. A more efficient method to prescribe effective anti-hypertension therapy would expedite recovery, minimize side effects, and reduce medical costs. The commercial application of this project will be in the field of healthcare management. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Man, Albert PREDICTION SCIENCES, LLC CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99189 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109805 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Multi-Orifice Microarrayer with Disposable Droplet Generator. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop a low cost micro droplet generator for use in creating large scale micro arrays for biotechnology applications. Conventional methods are expensive and require cleaning operations and chemicals which can be eliminated with the disposable pump unit thereby reducing the costs for pumps, chemicals, cleaning hardware and associated operations. Principal aspects of the development plan are insuring that drop volume and shape are of highest quality among disposable pump units. The commercial application of this project will be in the potentially large market for production of microarrays. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Bertera, James Adaptive Medical Systems, Inc MA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99990 5371 BIOT 9181 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109806 July 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: High-Temperature Polymeric Relative Humidity Sensors. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project addresses the need for relative humidity (RH) sensors that operate at high-temperature with good stability. The research objective of this project is the fabrication of composite RH sensors. The morphological stability mandated by the composite coupled with the documented excellent humidity response of the sensing material should result in enhanced durability and drift stability. Owing to the thermal stability of the composite sensing layer, these RH sensors should function at temperatures up to 300 C. If successful, the technology proposed will enable a new high temperature regime of RH sensing. The composite materials science and engineering proposed is straightforward but innovative. If successfully developed, the research project proposed is quite amenable to large-scale production and will make a significant contribution in this field. STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Schulz, Douglas CeraMem Corporation MA Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 100000 1505 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109821 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A Near-Instantaneous, Whole Blood Immunoassay. This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase 1 Project (SBIR) will contribute towards the development of a near-instantaneous, all-optical biosensing technology to replace ELISA-type (enzyme-linked immunoadsorbant assay) assays. Utilizing the unique optical properties of Metal Nanoshells, a new type of nanoparticle containing a dielectric core coated with a thin metal layer, immunoassays can be performed in the near-infrared region of high physiological transmissivity (wavelengths between 800 and 1300 nm) using Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering techniques. The equipment required to perform this immunoassay will be both highly portable and inexpensive. Initial research with a model antigen has shown that the nanoshell-based assay can produce results on whole-blood samples in 20 seconds. This is quantitatively equivalent to ELISA results requiring 24 to 48 hours. The proposed research will investigate the effects of bioconjugation of clinically important antibodies onto the nanoshell surface and examination of multiple Raman dyes for multi-antigen/analyte assays . The primary commercial application of the technology being developed in this project is in the $20 billion immunoassay market. The proposed research could lead to rapid immunoassay devices for ambulances, military and civilian health agencies, point-of-care analysis and high volume pharmaceutical testing. The core technology may have additional commercial applications in the area of biochips, in genomics and proteomics research, and in animal biology SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Watkins, Daniel NANOSPECTRA BIOSCIENCES, INC. TX Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109828 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: A High Frequency Beam Steered Electromagnetic Impulse Radar to Locate Human Targets Through Opaque Media. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate beam steered electromagnetic radar using differential synchronization signal path switching (DSSPS) to increase the operable frequency and target resolution. The research will also determine the effective imaging beam refraction as it exits opaque media, the feasibility of classifying human targets in the downrange profile, and the feasibility of implementing fractal geometries into bow-tie antennas to reduce ringing. Phase I will result in a compact system capable of penetrating thick opaque materials using high frequencies to locate targets in an arena that is otherwise reserved for low frequencies because of attenuation and the steering limitations of electronic delay methods. Potential commercial applications are expected in electromagnetic application for subsurface feature detection, including voids, contaminants, hazardous waste containers, hydrologic-lithologic interfaces, the location of buried utilities, and for locating human targets through opaque materials such as buildings, earth, rock, and snow. The smaller size of a high frequency array offers portability for the latter application. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Thompson, Scott REALTRONICS CORPORATION SD Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 100000 5371 MANU 9150 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109829 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Synthesis of Long RNA Oligonucleotides via Enzymatic Ligation. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop methods to prepare 60-200 base RNA/DNA oligonucleotides. Current methods for preparing long oligonucleotides suffer from limitations that hinder their application in biological science. Investigators have expressed an immediate need for longer material incorporating unnatural modifications and non-canonical substitutions. Access to these oligonucleotides is critical for continued discoveries in molecular biology and nucleic acid based therapeutics. Despite such demand, the most reliable synthetic method, 2-ACE chemistry, can provide quality oligonucleotides no longer than 50 bases. This SBIR Phase I project will use 2-ACE RNA to develop a novel biochemical technique using RNA ligase to enzymatically splice oligonucleotides together. RNA substrates will be coupled as part of a complex with a complementary splint. This project will evaluate different conformations of the ligation site, the tolerance of the enzyme for different substrate sequences, the optimal design and composition of the splint, and the ideal concentrations of substrates and cofactors. Once determined in an iterative process, the best conditions will be applied to more challenging research problems identified by collaborators. This research will directly address a critical deficit in the resources available to the national biotechnology research community. The commercial applications of this project are expected to be varied and immediate. As example, site-specifically modified RNAs of 50-200 bases in length should be in high demand by investigators who are developing RNA-targeted drugs or other RNA-dependent technologies beyond the reach of current synthetic means. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Scaringe, Stephen DHARMACON INC CO Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 100000 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109845 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Microfluidic Protein Crystallization Device with Valves. 0109845 Haushalter This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop micromachined fluid handling components as part of a new technology platform for high throughput protein crystallization and the collection of single crystal x-ray diffraction data. As increasing effort is directed toward proteomics and high throughput protein structure determination, the data derived from the determination of 3-D protein structures will have enormous impact in such areas as protein engineering, recombinant DNA technology and gene therapy. This project proffers a simple design for an inexpensive device, a Microfluidic Protein Crystallization Chip (MPCC), that possesses a high-density array of vessels, each with fluid inlets and vents, and a design for simple on-chip two-way valves. Methods are proposed to rapidly prototype new designs with design modifications made on the order of a day. The MPCC will be able to dose solutions appropriate to run commercial screening matrices. Since the device will be on the order of 1 mm thick, x-ray data will be collected by simply placing the crystal-containing MPCC device directly into the x-ray beam, thereby abrogating the expensive labor and equipment intensive exercise of isolating several micron sized crystals from 20-100 nL of mother liquid. The commercial applications of this project will be in the Structural Genomics market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Haushalter, Robert Parallel Synthesis Technologies, Inc CA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99416 5371 BIOT 9181 0203000 Health 0109851 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Next-Generation Nonlinear Optical Materials for Production of Ultraviolet Laser Light. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is focused upon demonstrating the feasibility of developing a new class of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Continued advances in laser-based system components are essential for keeping the nation's technology infrastructure at the forefront. Diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser systems represent one of the most important technologies being developed for many of these applications-with particular emphasis being placed on generation of coherent light at heretofore unrealized combinations of power levels and wavelengths extending from the IR to the deep UV. A limiting factor in the development of DPSS laser technology is the lack of suitable laser and nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals having optimized physical properties. The development of new, efficient, robust, versatile, and readily manufacturable fixed- or tunable-frequency laser and NLO crystals is essential for the continued advancement of DPSS technologies. Demonstrating the potential to develop materials having these required NLO properties-coupled with unprecedented transparency into the DUV combined with superior thermal and mechanical properties-is the Phase I goal. Successful completion will lead to commercialization of a new class of materials that will enable production of a variety of state-of-the-art laser-related products. In the private sector, laser materials and systems have become critical components in the manufacture of essentially all microprocessor-based electronic devices and in a variety of medical therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Other key government and commercial uses include sensors for remote sensing of pollution and atmospheric gases such as ozone and water vapor, satellite-to-satellite communications, optical computing, and advanced communications. Clearly, the potential market for this type of next-generation technology is substantial and diverse. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Reynolds, Thomas REYTECH CORPORATION OR Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 99998 5371 MANU 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109853 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Laser Direct-Writing Technique to Produce Integrated Optical Amplifier/Splitter. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop integrated optical amplifier/splitters through direct writing of sol-gel-derived, erbium-doped coatings. Since optical signals decrease with transmission and manipulation, amplifiers are required. Current designs involve serial arrangements of passive (splitters) and active devices (amplifiers). This serial design is bulky and expensive, due to the number of components and interconnects. Integrated optical devices would greatly simplify optical communication networks. Phase I will incorporate amplification into passive devices, such as splitters, resulting in lossless optical devices. To provide amplification, erbium will be incorporated into ceramic films via wet-chemical processing. Subsequently, laser irradiation will selectively densify channels in porous coatings, thereby locally increasing the refractive index and providing light containment in the channels. Pumping the planar device will amplify signals as they pass. This technology in integrated amplifier/splitters will be key to making more complex integrated optical circuits in telecommunication. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Taylor, Douglas TPL, Inc. NM Ritchie B. Coryell Standard Grant 99512 5371 HPCC 9139 0206000 Telecommunications 0109860 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Gallium Nitride High Temperature Gas Sensor for Measuring Combustion Gas Product Concentrations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project comprises the design, fabrication and testing of continuous and discontinuous catalytic metal films as detection elements on a gallium nitride metal-semiconductor-field-effect transistor (MESFET) gas sensor for measuring combustion gas products in high temperature gas streams. Gas adsorbs and reacts on the metal surface. The steady state composition of adsorbed species changes the metal work function. The significant innovation is a gallium nitride (large bandgap) semiconductor device which will advance this emerging technology to high temperature (ca. 600 C) applications. The multiple catalytic metals: platinum, palladium/silver and rhodium have different sensitivities and detection limits. These differences can in principle be used to distinguish the effects of up to three concentration variables. This is the first time rhodium will have been used in this kind of sensor. The outcome of this work will be a proof of the concept that quantifying high temperature gas compositions is possible with the multiple catalytic gate FET sensor technology. A work product will be: (1) the isotherms for gas (propane, methane, propylene, NO, NO2 and CO) adsorption on polycrystalline films of Pt, PdAg and Rh; (2) investigation of anticipated significant interactions of multiple gases on these metals; (3) the documentation of any solid-state reactions between the metals and the gallium nitride substrate by x-ray, TEM and other surface techniques; and, (4) the mechanical and electrical effects on the FET structure in various gases and at temperatures as high as 850 C. The goal of the research is a robust sensor structure and composition that can be used to monitor combustion gas including automobile exhaust for "breakthrough" of the catalytic converter and possibly engine control for better efficiency. The potential commercial applications of the research is a sensor for monitoring emission to meet anticipated regulatory requirements for ultra-low-emissions-vehicles for the future. Other applications include a variety of combustion gas environments and monitoring and real-time control of refinery and other industrial chemical processes. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Pyke, Stephen Peterson Ridge LLC (dba Fluence) OR Michael F. Crowley Standard Grant 96957 5371 MANU 9148 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109865 July 1, 2001 STTR Phase I: Near Field Microscope Intra-cellular Imaging of Intact Cells. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project seeks to develop a novel high-resolution instrument, the Near-Field Cell Penetrating Microscope (NCPM), for analyzing and comparing molecular characteristics of cells. This instrument will adapt a Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscope (SNOM) with a probe that can penetrate the cell membrane and image the inside of intact cells. The hypothesis is that precancerous, cancerous and normal cell lines have different molecular profiles and can be differentiated with the resolution power of SNOM. The proposed instrument will be able to collect data via high-resolution imagery, thus providing the means to investigate tumor cells at the sub-cellular and the molecular level. Incorporation of this data into a signature will facilitate the molecular analysis of cell lines and their transformed counterparts. The near term commercial application of the product to be developed in this project is in the near field optical microscopy market as a research tool for the medical and biological community. The long term commercial application is in the medical diagnostic market as an early warning device for detection of diseased cells. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES IIP ENG O'Connell, Daniel OCEANIT LABORATORIES INC HI Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99850 9150 BIOT 9184 5371 1505 0203000 Health 0109868 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase I: Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents in Saturated, Low Permeability Soils. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the problem of chlorinated solvent contamination in saturated, low permeability soils. The specific objectives of Phase I research are : (1) to quantify the effectiveness of chitin as an electron donor facilitating reductive dechlorination and enhancing bioavailability of tetrachloroethylene (PCE and TCE); ( 2) to incorporate chitin into a delivery system designed for low permeability soils; and (3) to evaluate the delivery method in the field. Preliminary studies have shown that chitin may be an ideal candidate to facilitate low cost, low maintenance bioremediation of chlorinated solvent residual sources. Obtained as a byproduct from the shellfish industry, chitin is particularly attractive as it is very commonly available. If favorable results are obtained during Phase I column and field studies, then a follow on Phase II project will further examine mechanisms controlling process efficiency and longevity. The commercial applications of this project will be in the multi-million dollar bioremediation market. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I IIP ENG Sorenson, Kent North Wind Environmental, Inc. ID Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 99478 5371 BIOT 9181 9150 0201000 Agriculture 0510402 Biomaterials-Short & Long Terms 0109913 September 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Compact Driver Technology for Extending the Lifetime of High Power Laser Diode Arrays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop compact, all-solid-state, pulsed drivers coupled with solid-state protection circuitry for powering laser diodes/diode arrays and increasing their reliability and lifetime. New high-current semiconductor switch technology will be coupled with proprietary new diode protection circuits featuring fault-mode detection and high-speed current limiting to extend laser diode lifetime tenfold. This leads directly to a tenfold reduction in annual laser operating cost. Recent breakthroughs in high power semiconductor technology, namely the Gate Commutated Thyristor (GCT) switch, also offer significant improvement in speed, power, and compact size over existing commercial devices. Phase II will develop advanced, compact pulsed power modules based on these technologies. GCT technology, coupled with a proprietary fast protection circuitry, offers a significant decrease in diode laser system size and weight and a tenfold decrease in laser cost-of-ownership made possible by increased diode lifetime. New commercial applications for the diode-pumped solid-state lasers are expected to include powering diodes for optical telecommunications and ultraviolet and X-ray point sources for Next Generation Lithography in the semiconductor industry, as well as in laser cutting and welding. Medical uses for this new fault-protected, solid-state driver technology will include oncology and gene therapy. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Petr, Rodney Science Research Laboratory Inc MA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 497208 5373 HPCC 9139 0104000 Information Systems 0206000 Telecommunications 0109973 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Differential Long-Path Spectrophotometer for On-line Measurements of Controlled Halogenated Organic Compounds in Potable Water. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a prototype instrument for measuring harmful bi-products of chlorination in drinking water. These disinfection bi-products are subject to EPA regulations. The Phase I project demonstrated that the concept of differential UV absorption measurement, i.e. absorption before and after chlorination, is suitable for the needed measurement. A pre-production prototype instrument will be constructed during the Phase II project. This device shall employ a multi-pass cell design using our novel dual-ratio technique that eliminates concerns about long term drifts. The overall instrument architecture design and systems design will be carried out prior to assembly of the full microprocessor-controlled recording device. Extensive laboratory and field tests will be used to review design changes before production. The potential commercial applications of the instrument proposed may be used in the laboratory or in-line at utilities. The market for the proposed product is quite substantial as EPA regulations will result in the installation of such devices at all utilities and drinking water facilities. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Agrawal, Yogesh Sequoia Scientific, Inc. WA Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 498274 5373 EGCH 9197 1179 0118000 Pollution Control 0109976 March 15, 2002 SBIR Phase II: Broadband Split-Beam Fish Tracker. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Project will develop a broadband split-beam fisheries sonar system for shallow water applications. As the number of fish in rivers and streams diminishes and becomes threatened, endangered or extinct, there is a need for better fish monitoring tools for such shallow water environments. Through a series of workshops, the leaders in the riverine sonar community have highlighted several deficiencies in the current monitoring systems. This Phase II Project proposes to build a fish tracking and counting system that addresses many of these deficiencies, and that has a ten-fold better range resolution and at least a 6 dB improvement in detection. The broadband sonar system, to be built in the course of this project, will include (a) a unique bizonal shaded transceiver array, (b) a full complement of functions for collection, storage, analysis and display of data, and (c) a multi-hypothesis tracker for tracking fish in low SNR and dense target environments. The sonar system will be validated first in a comprehensive set of pool tests, and then subjected to a rigorous set of evaluation experiments in the Kenai and Copper Rivers of Alaska and in the Rogue River of Oregon. The commercial applications of this project are in a broad range of markets that require fish counting and tracking equipment. The overall market size for such equipment worldwide is estimated to be on the order of 1.8 billion dollars. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Jung, Jae-Byung Scientific Fishery Systems, Inc AK Om P. Sahai Standard Grant 518000 5373 BIOT 9251 9178 9104 1148 0521700 Marine Resources 0109981 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Low Temperature Partial Oxidation Reactor. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an economically competitive, novel, catalytic process for low temperature hydrocarbon partial oxidation. An innovative process for ethylene epoxidation will be developed as a commercially significant application. Most heterogeneous hydrocarbon partial oxidation reactions utilize engineered catalysts, which incorporate novel promoters to enhance selectivity. However, reactor heat management significantly impacts process energy efficiency, catalyst selectivity, and ultimately, process profitability. The Phase II project will develop an innovative process for hydrocarbon partial oxidation which addresses these issues. In Phase I, technical and economic viability of the novel process was demonstrated. The Phase II project will focus on the intrinsic reaction kinetics, heat transfer, and mass transport. A continuous ethylene epoxidation process will be demonstrated at the bench-scale and small pilot-scale in novel, three-phase reactors. In addition, an engineering process design and cost analysis will be developed. The commercial application from this project will be the heterogeneous hydrocarbon partial oxidation, if successful would greatly increase raw material and energy efficiency as well as increase process profitability in the chemical and petrochemical industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bradford, Michael CeraMem Corporation MA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 500000 5373 AMPP 9165 1401 0308000 Industrial Technology 0109983 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Copper Selective Silica-Polyamine Extraction Materials for Processing Copper Ore Leach Liquors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will investigate production of an exciting new material CuWRAM (Copper Waste Recovery from Aqueous Media). Evaluation of these pilot procedures will support the design of full scale manufacturing facilities. A processing system utilizing the patented ISEP separations hardware obtained from Calgon Carbon Corp. and CuWRAM as the extractant material for copper extraction and separation from iron (III) will be produced. Extensive testing will provide information to: (1) establish the effectiveness of the CuWRAM - ISEP system on real samples; (2) establish the economic feasibility of this system under various conditions; and (3) develop a targeted marketing strategy based on the first two items. Results from the Phase I project have generated excitement throughout the mining community. Initial testing on actual mining solutions will be conducted with one of the largest copper producers in the U.S. Commercial applications for a CuWRAM copper extraction include use in the primary extraction circuit of copper mining operations, recovery of copper for reuse in copper plating processes and recovery of copper from remediation projects. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Fischer, Robert Purity Systems, Inc. MT Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 512000 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0109985 September 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Revenue Management in a Dynamic and Stochastic Network Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a state-of-the-art Revenue Management (RM) application suite that addresses inventory allocation and supply-chain management issues. RM, a new way of approaching the supply/demand concept, is best understood as the set of actions leading to revenue maximization by efficiently utilizing the available perishable resources. In Phase I a software prototype was developed based on highly optimized inventory allocation algorithms that produced 2-5% revenue improvements over algorithms used in practice. Phase II has a two-fold objective: to advance the software and produce a state-of-the-art RM application suite to be used in the airlines, hospitality and equipment rental industries; and, to add new components that address supply management decisions interconnected with the inventory allocation decisions addressed in Phase I. RM is currently applied primarily to the airlines and (to different degrees) to cruise lines, hotels, car rental companies, energy, entertainment industry and telecommunications. It is widely acknowledged that companies that neglect to implement RM techniques to maximize their revenue will risk becoming uncompetitive. Therefore, there is a large potential market for a flexible state-of-the-art RM suite built on highly sophisticated algorithms. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mourtzinou, Georgia DYNAMIC IDEAS, LLC MA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 378101 5373 MANU 9148 9102 1465 1464 1463 0107000 Operations Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110105 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Flexible and Transparent Coating Polymers for Flat Panel Displays. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a new optically transparent intrinsically conducting polymer (ICP) that can be processed from organic solutions. Despite much information on ICPs in the technical literature, the number of commercial applications of ICPs is still very small because of their intrinsically poor stability and the lack of reasonable processing methods. Phase II will address the problem of processability. Phase I successfully prepared ICPs that are soluble up to 15% weight in alcohols. Cast films are optically transparent, have conductivity of 1-100 Siemens per centimeter, and maintain constant conductivity when elongated up to 30%. ICPs were made from commercially available monomers. Phase II will bring the polymers developed in Phase I from a feasibility stage to commercial products by optimizing their composition and synthesis and scaling up production and purification. These materials could be used to replace indium tin oxide in flat panel displays and other electronic applications. ICPs are expected to find application in the manufacture of electronic components, inks, biomedical materials, electronic devices, and specialty coatings. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Luebben, Silvia TDA Research, Inc CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 504956 5373 MANU AMPP 9231 9178 9163 9146 9102 1773 1467 0308000 Industrial Technology 0522100 High Technology Materials 0110193 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Novel Facilitated Transport Membranes for Olefin Separations. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project focuses on olefin/paraffin separations. In the USA, ethylene and propylene are produced in larger quantities than any other organic chemical. Currently, olefin/paraffin separation is done by distillation, an extremely energy-intensive process because of their low relative volatility. Selectivities of polymeric membranes are inadequate for these separations, but selectivities of facilitated transport membranes are higher. However, membrane instability, low gas fluxes, and a required water-saturated feed limit their industrial application. To overcome these problems a new type of facilitated transport membrane is being developed. The membrane has high gas fluxes, dramatically improved olefin/paraffin selectivities over conventional facilitated transport membranes, operates with a dry feed, and is stable for several weeks. The commercial applications from this project will be membranes that will significantly lower cost and energy consumption of industrial olefin/paraffin separations. Other applications include by product/vent gas streams in polyethylene/polypropylene, cumene, isopropanol and acrylonitrile plants. Subsequent applications are propylene recovery from FCCU off-gas and from large processes (propane dehydrogenation and steam crackers). SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Merkel, Tim MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH, INC. CA Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0110214 October 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Digital Machine Shop - An Immersive Two-Handed Precision 3D Modeling Environment. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project, The Digital Machine Shop, is a practical immersive precision modeling system. With the aid of Digital Jigs, Digital Blades, and other innovative techniques, the user sculpts and assembles precision objects in a natural fashion with his or her own two hands. Real users from many backgrounds have validated the approach, showing these new paradigms to be easy to learn and easy to use. They have achieved comfort and productivity in a fraction of the time required by conventional modeling products because natural dexterity and real-world strategies apply. The apparent absence of Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) in the Digital Machine Shop's two-handed interface promises to be a bonus of immeasurable value. The ease of use of the Digital Machine Shop will serve to tap the talent, creativity, and expertise of a large segment of society that has been discouraged by the complexity and tedium of conventional interfaces. Those comfortable with digital methods will benefit from enhanced productivity and creativity. The Digital Machine Shop embodies enabling technologies whose impact far exceeds the scope of this project. It is through the example of practical innovation that the industry will adopt new and improved methods. The potential commercial applications include: architectural design, visual simulation modeling, game modeling, industrial design, automotive design, education, fine arts, and medicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Mlyniec, Paul Digital ArtForms CA Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 551985 5373 HPCC 9139 4080 0108000 Software Development 0110217 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Robotic Systems for Network Interrogation of Smart Civil Structures. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II, project is aimed at the continued development and field testing of an autonomous robotic structural inspection system capable of remote powering and data collection from a network of embedded sensing nodes with remote data access via the internet. The system will utilize existing microminiature, multichannel, wireless, programmable Addressable Sensing Modules (ASM's) to sample data from a variety of sensors. These inductively powered nodes do not require batteries or interconnecting wires, which greatly enhances reliability and reduces installation cost. Networks of sensing nodes can be embedded, interrogated, and remotely accessed in applications where visual inspection by people is not practical due to: physical space constraints, remote geographic locations, high inspection costs, and high risks involved for those performing the inspections. The sensors can indicate the need for repair, replacement, or reinforcement, which will reduce the risk of catastrophic failure and will be useful after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. The availability of critical structural health data on the internet would greatly assist highway engineers and scientists to acquire information about these structures, which will improve our understanding of the safety of civil structures and their requisite maintenance. Market potential is significant, as various task specific robots can be employed (with our systems) for remote inspection and internet data delivery from a broad spectrum of structures, such as: bridges, bridge footings, dams, offshore oil rigs, buildings, hazardous waste sites, and nuclear power plants. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is aimed at the continued development and field testing of an autonomous robotic structural inspection system capable of remote powering and data collection from a network of embedded sensing nodes with remote data access via the internet. The system will utilize existing microminiature, multichannel, wireless, programmable Addressable Sensing Modules (ASM's) to sample data from a variety of sensors. These inductively powered nodes do not require batteries or interconnecting wires, which greatly enhances reliability and reduces installation cost. Networks of sensing nodes can be embedded, interrogated, and remotely accessed in applications where visual inspection by people is not practical due to: physical space constraints, remote geographic locations, high inspection costs, and high risks involved for those performing the inspections. The sensors can indicate the need for repair, replacement, or reinforcement, which will reduce the risk of catastrophic failure and will be useful after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. The availability of critical structural health data on the internet would greatly assist highway engineers and scientists to acquire information about these structures, which will improve our understanding of the safety of civil structures and their requisite maintenance. Market potential is significant, as various task specific robots can be employed (with our systems) for remote inspection and internet data delivery from a broad spectrum of structures, such as: bridges, bridge footings, dams, offshore oil rigs, buildings, hazardous waste sites, and nuclear power plants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Arms, Steven MICROSTRAIN INC VT Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 733285 5373 CVIS 9251 9150 5371 1038 0109000 Structural Technology 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110221 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Dissolution of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a cost-effective procedure for the production of soluble single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in commercial quantities. Phase I results demonstrated dissolution of full-length SWNTs in common organic solvents by exfoliation and covalent functionalization. It has been found that the purity of as-prepared SWNT (AP-SWNT) soot greatly influences both the cost and quality of the final product. The major emphasis for the project will be directed towards the synthesis of byproduct-free AP-SWNT soot, in purification of the SWNTs and in optimizing and scaling-up the dissolution step. The dissolution of carbon nanotubes can greatly enhance the processability of this unique material and facilitate the entry of SWNTs into commercial applications requiring high strength light weight materials, electromagnetic shielding materials, conductive composites and nanoelectronics. The development of the solution chemistry of SWNTs will facilitate applications in polymer science, and in medicine. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Itkis, Mikhail CARBON SOLUTIONS INC CA Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 376589 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9148 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110266 December 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Design of a True Three Dimensional (3-D) Information Display System. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes the development of a low-cost desktop true three dimensional (3-D) information display system suitable for commercialization during Phase III. The proposed video monitor will provide highly realistic static and dynamic 3-D images by presenting information over a volumetric space, rather than a conventional planar space. As a result, the displayed information neither suffers from the loss of actual depth information as in a conventional monitor, nor requires the use of specially designed eyeglasses needed for stereovision systems. Fullcolor true 3-D views will be generated by projecting plane-by-plane image slices onto a projection screen that moves backward and forward in synchronization with the information generated on a CRT screen. By accessing these planes-of-view 30 times per second, flicker-free true 3-D views are generated over a volumetric space that are viewable from multiple angles. The anticipated low cost of this practical system should make it affordable for personal use since it will be designed primarily with commercially available system components, aided by novel digital imaging techniques and software approaches. Thus, the proposed system is expected to find many diverse applications ranging from scientific and industrial visualization to entertainment. Some of the initial applications include biomedical image processing, scientific visualization, protein structure determination, general-purpose 3-D computer graphics, radar imaging, battlefield management, and aircraft design. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Chakrabarti, Soma BioComp Systems KS Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 503325 9150 5373 HPCC 9251 9215 9178 9150 9102 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110267 July 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Concentration of Thermally Labile Solutes. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demonstrate in actual field tests the novel room temperature dewatering process. In the Phase I project, Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) demonstrated a stable osmotic distillation (OD) process on orange juice, grape juice, and coffee. In typical applications, solids levels were increased from approximately 10% sugar to approximately 70% sugar. Taste tests showed no significant difference between original juice and re-diluted OD product. Process stability was demonstrated by obtaining equivalent product when operating temperature was increased to 40C and maintaining performance after multiple juice dewatering and cleaning cycles. Product stability was demonstrated by leaving OD juice concentrate open to air with no microbiological growth due to very low water activity in the juice concentrate. In the OD process the solution to be dewatered is placed on one side of the hydrophobic membrane and a high salinity feed is placed on the other side. Water vapor then moves from the solution to the high salinity side. While OD has been around for 15 years, no significant commercial products have been developed due to these hydrophobic microporous membranes rapidly wetting out. This project will demonstrate a novel, non-porous perfluoromembrane that eliminates wet-out while maintaining high water vapor transport. Potential commercial applications include beverages, pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, and industrial chemicals. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Bowser, John COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC DE Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 576146 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9146 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110276 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Inversion of Geophysical Measurements for Fracture Geometry. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project considers an innovative method for detecting and quantifying natural fracture systems in rock. The geometry of the fracture system controls the permeability of many oil and gas reservoirs and aquifers. Both oil and gas and environmental applications require new tools and techniques to quantify the fracture geometry, thus allowing prediction of permeability. During the Phase I research an inverse method was developed for fracture geometry from diverse geophysical measurements. This was accomplished by combining forward models relating fracture geometry to various anisotropic, stress-dependent properties including permeability, electrical conductivity, and seismic velocity with a maximum entropy regularization criterion. It was demonstrated that a relatively small number of geophysical measurements could be used to invert for a statistical description of the fracture geometry with some predictive power. Following this proof of principle, in Phase II, this method will now be turned into an interactive tool for studying and understanding fracture system behavior for oil and gas and environmental applications. To accomplish this, the forward models will be refined, the inversion algorithm will be tuned for this specific problem, and the algorithms will be validated using case studies. This new capability will likely provide many improvements to exploration, development, and reservoir performance activities by defining realistic input parameters for reservoir fluid flow simulators. It is in our national interest to develop new innovative and cost effective exploration and reservoir simulation technologies which will extend the useful lifetime of oil and gas reservoirs and extending the period of time that competitively priced oil and natural gas can be produced in this country. l SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Brown, Stephen NEW ENGLAND RESEARCH, INC. VT Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 492251 5373 CVIS 1266 1038 0510703 Rock Fracture Mechanics 0110278 July 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Workflows to Enable Agile Virtual Enterprises (WEAVE). This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project, Workflows to Enable Agile Virtual Enterprises (WEAVE), is envisioned as an on-line service to manage workflow for virtual enterprises. Phase I feasibility was undertaken in the context of virtual enterprises that arise in supply chain management. Phase II will do full-scale implementation of WEAVE to efficiently establish and manage supply chains in an e-commerce environment. Traditional supply chains are built with a small number of long-term suppliers because of the high cost of finding and establishing new supply sources. The Web and a variety of legacy data sources provide abundant information about possible supply sources. But this information is often dynamic and unstructured requiring manual effort to discover. XSB, Inc has developed technology to infer supplier capabilities, giving manufacturers an instant view of 'who makes what' across their own supply chain as well as thousands of potential suppliers across the web. WEAVE will implement this technology to locate sources of supply. This ability to locate sources for parts will be integrated with a system to plan and manage purchasing strategies for a user's complete bill-of-materials. Using WEAVE small-to-medium manufacturers can quickly create supply chains that is relevant for their enterprise. In the long-term WEAVE will serve as the infrastructure for establishing a peer-to-peer supply network. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Pokorny, Robert XSB, INC. NY Juan E. Figueroa Standard Grant 730566 5373 HPCC 9251 9178 9139 6850 0108000 Software Development 0110316 September 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Active Control of Gas Turbine Engines Using Eddy Current Sensors. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop and test algorithms for active control of blade vibration and engine stability (stall and surge) using an eddy current sensor (ECS) array. The approach utilizes signal analysis and diagnostic tools in active control algorithms for the detection of engine faults. Phase II will extend the functionality of the ECS system beyond diagnostics to active and automatic real-time control of gas turbine engines. An ECS array is currently the favored sensor system for installation on the Joint Strike Fighter, in which a software system upgrade capable of using ECS data to compute the necessary indicators and estimate the disturbances needed is desirable for active vibration and engine stability control. It would reduce the number of new sensors needed for active control and potentially save millions of dollars. Large commercial markets are indicated in commercial aircraft and gas turbine power plants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Teolis, Carole Techno-Sciences Incorporated MD Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 661332 5373 MANU HPCC 9251 9231 9178 9146 9139 9102 7218 1359 0104000 Information Systems 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110317 August 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Development of a Dynamic, High-Resolution Volumetric Dilatometer. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop innovations pertaining to optrodes (optical sensors) and electro-optical instrumentation for advanced material characterization. Specifically, this project will develop the first commercially available high-resolution volumetric dilatometer. In addition, the innovations will allow for: (1) a linear dilatometer that possesses a resolution that is 2-3 orders of magnitude better than its conventional linear counterparts; (2) an optical control system for micro-translation stages; (3) an optrode for thin film characterization that possesses a linear resolution exceeding 1 nanometer; and (4) an ultra-fast, high-resolution spectrometer that will enable commercialization of three optical sensors (pressure, temperature, and load) suitable for harsh environments. Potential commercial applications are expected in electronics and microelectronics manufacturing for dilatometry, thin films analysis, micro-translation stages, ultra-fast spectroscopy, and various optical sensors. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Christian, Sean AIRAK, INC VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 512000 5373 AMPP 9251 9231 9178 9163 9102 0522100 High Technology Materials 0110323 September 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Cold Gas Dynamic Spray Processing of Bioactive Nano-hydroxyapatite/Titanium Nanocomposite Coatings. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Project will develop a fully integrated process for applying a well-bonded, bioactive coating to the stem of an orthopedic hip implant by a novel Cold Gas Dynamic Spray (CGDS), or Hyperkinetic Deposition process. The new process is a potential major advance in the state-of-the-art for surface modification of medical implants. The medical community hitherto has relied primarily on plasma spraying to activate implant surfaces. Plasma spraying is a cost-effective means of applying the coating material but is far from ideal. In particular, the high temperatures experienced by the hydroxyapatite feed powder during plasma spraying can seriously degrade its compositional integrity and thus its bioactive properties. The cold spray process eliminates this problem, and enables, for the first time, high-surface-area nanostructured hydroxyapatite powder to be incorporated into the implant surface without sacrificing its intrinsic bioactivity. As an added benefit the implant surface is left in a state of compression, which should extend the service life of the implant by eliminating the possibility of surface cracking caused by low-cycle fatigue. The commercial applications for this project will be to improve the life of implants. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG McCandlish, Larry Ceramare Corporation NJ Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9147 0110000 Technology Transfer 0110341 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: On-Line, Non-Destructive, Rapid Characterization of Nanopowders and Agglomerates. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will further develop, test, and demonstrate a novel approach for characterizing nano-scale powders and their agglomerates. Nanostructures are a novel family of materials that allow customization of structural, electrochemical, electrical, electronic, optical, magnetic, and chemical properties. The use of nanomaterials to fabricate valuable devices and to manufacture new products depends in large part on the ability to characterize these materials during synthesis, processing, and device production. Current high resolution characterization techniques are off line, slow, expensive, and unreliable; the few on-line particle sizing instruments available make questionable assumptions (e.g., that all particles are spherical in shape) which introduce unnecessary error into the diagnosis. The commercial applications of this project is to use nano-scale powders, which are the fundamental building blocks of many products used in a wide variety of industries (e.g., advanced ceramics, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, etc.). As the technology develops, the application areas will increase. The ability to characterize nano-scale particles and agglomerates on-line is crucial for controlling the quality of products and for the invention of new products and processes. In addition, characterization of environmental particulates is critical for understanding air quality concerns and health effects - leading to improve clean air regulations and monitoring. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Manickavasagam, Sivakumar Synergetic Technologies, Incorporated KY Rosemarie D. Wesson Standard Grant 511997 5373 MANU 9251 9231 9178 9163 9146 1415 0106000 Materials Research 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110358 October 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Development of a Compact Cloud Spectrometer and Impactor. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop a compact cloud spectrometer and impactor (CSI) for the measurement and study of condensed water in the atmosphere. Condensed water includes cloud droplets and ice particles. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of integrating a counterflow virtual impactor (CVI) for condensed water content (CWC) measurement together with a new forward scattering spectrometer system for measurement of the cloud droplet size distribution. This combined airborne instrument will be considerably lighter than previous versions of the two separate instruments, and easier to use. The objective of Phase II is a commercial, integrated instrument for the study of atmospheric condensed water content and droplet size distribution. The accurate measurement of these parameters is important in weather prediction as well as understanding global climate change. This instrumentation will have worldwide application, and the users will be government, university, and commercial atmospheric research institutions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Kok, Gregory Droplet Measurement Technologies CO Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 460945 5373 1505 EGCH 1325 0110000 Technology Transfer 0110363 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Interactive Tools for Active Learning (ITAL). This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project, ITAL-2 (Interactive Tools for Active Learning) will develop comprehensive e-Learning solution for conventional academic Science, Mathematics, and Educational Technology (SMET) education and for corporate training. The project product, 'Active Learning Suites' (ALS), is a highly interactive online learning content delivery and management system. It includes an Active Shell, Simulations and Virtual Experiments interactive lessons, a Problem Solving Tutor, a scriptable Instructor's Agent, an Assessment system, Authoring tools, and more. ALS uses real-life objects and situations, such as those related to home, telecommunications and sports, as the context for science investigations. Immersion in these contexts that are populated with appropriate sets of objects enables learners to discover the connections between the scientific theory and its practical applications in technology. Authoring tools helps instructors to easily assemble a single e-learning environment from heterogeneous educational resources and the WWW. ALS can facilitate both problem-based learning and more conventional learning strategies. It can be used on a campus or in a school equipped with either stand-alone computers or a local network, at home (self-learning), in a corporate setting, or via distance learning over the Intranet and Internet. Active Learning Suites (ALS) offer a wide variety of lessons that can be designed to address many different audiences: (1) two-year college students enrolled in science, technology and engineering programs; (2) non-science majors; (3) high school students taking science and technology courses; and (4) instructors and technicians of telecommunications companies. The approach of immersing students or technicians in practical problems has great potential for facilitating understanding of science. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Cherner, Yakov ATEL, LLC MA Sara B. Nerlove Standard Grant 499855 5373 SMET 9177 7355 7256 0108000 Software Development 0110370 November 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Electrochromic Devices Fabricated from Self-Assembled Polyelectrolytes for Flat Panel Displays. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will continue development of a new electrochromic device based on self-assembly of organic nanomaterials. Phase I used these materials to create laboratory scale devices. Precise control of the material composition at the nanometer (nm) scale, combined with the thin layers deposited (40 nm thick), allowed switching speeds of 25-50 milliseconds for the first time, which are nearly fast enough for display applications. Further, it was found that these materials, fabricated in the solid state, could be switched by applying only 1.0 volt. Phase II will focus on optimizing device performance, developing tri-state and multi-color devices, and evaluating performance under environmental conditions necessary for commercial product development. Markets for the technology are very large and range from automotive self-dimming rear-view mirrors to smart windows for residential and commercial buildings, smart glasses, and display products. Phase III is planned for manufacturing scale-up and will be conducted in an industrial partnership. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II STTR PHASE I IIP ENG Phillips, Paige Luna Innovations, Incorporated VA Winslow L. Sargeant Standard Grant 511913 5373 1505 MANU HPCC 9251 9178 9146 9139 0110000 Technology Transfer 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110399 October 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Fabrication of Photonic Band Gap Structures Embedded in Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic for Millimeter Wave Applications. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop new materials engineered for microwave electronics. As microwave applications expand, including portable wireless devices, and as digital integrated circuit speeds and clock rates increase to the millimeter wave (MMW) range, the need arises for low-loss elements of microwave/MMW interconnects (EMIs) with properties uniform over a broad range of frequencies and environmental conditions. A new technique is now sought to embed EMIs based on Photonic Band Gap Structures (PBSs) in ceramic substrates at an early stage of fabrication. PBSs will reduce radiative losses in devices fabricated using the Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic On Metal technique by preventing radiation leakage and by minimizing undesired scattering. The result will be improved performance, without increasing manufacturing costs. Phase I designed, fabricated, and tested PBS-based EMIs, wherein, cross waveguides with low cross talk were successfully tested. Phase II will automate the design and production of devices that include PBS EMIs. The technology will be demonstrated through the design and fabrication of a MMW antenna based on PBS. A PBS will lead to quite new applications: frequency-band controlled filters, perfect channel-drop filters, point-defect resonant cavities, line-defect ninety-degree waveguide bends, waveguide intersections with low crosstalk, and others. The new technique will be employed in high-volume production items for applications such as automotive radars, avionics, as well as in a variety of broadband wireless communication devices. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Manasson, Vladimir WAVEBAND CORPORATION CA Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 761828 5373 MANU 9251 9178 9165 9146 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110419 August 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Bimetallic Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop platinum-transition metal alloy catalysts that are supported on high area carbon for oxygen cathodes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The Phase II project will build on the success of Phase I by optimizing the alloy composition and particle size of supported Platinum (Pt) alloy catalysts for efficient oxygen reduction. Low temperature synthesis methods allow T/J Technologies to produce supported Pt alloys with minimal Pt aggregation. Alloy compositions that reduce the over potential toward oxygen reduction by >50 mV versus Pt alone and will be produced with particles sizes (3-5 nm) that maximize Pt utilization and oxygen reduction efficiency. Performance will be demonstrated in half-cell and full fuel cell experiments. Catalysts resulting from this project will enable PEM fuel cells to operate more efficiently. The potential commercial applications from this project would be improved oxygen reduction catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells for vehicle propulsion and kilowatt-scale off-grid electric power generation. These are potentially large markets with beneficial impacts on energy efficiency, international competitiveness, and emissions reductions. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Renock, Devon T/J Technologies, Inc MI Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 637000 5373 AMPP 9251 9178 9163 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110432 November 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: Revitalizing Spectrofluorimeters with Cryogenic Fiber Optic Probes, Fluorescence Lifetime Capability, and Tunable Laser Sources. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop new instrumentation for fluorescence and phosphorescence spectral measurements. Phase I produced a customized spectrofluorimeter equipped with a tunable laser source, fluorescence lifetime capability, and fiber optic probe for cryogenic measurements. However, better methods are needed to analyze benzo[c]fluorene, which researchers now believe may be an environmental concern comparable to benzo[a]pyrene. Phase II will develop an upgraded new instrument, capable of retrofitting the low temperature probe, fluorescence lifetime, and tunable laser capabilities onto laboratory spectrofluorimeters. The emission monochromator, photomultiplier tube detector, and control/analysis computer can be retained from the spectrofluorimeter, and none of its functionality will be lost. Phase II is expected to produce several models of commercial spectrofluorimeters, test data for publication in technical journals and trade magazines, and instrument upgrade options as a commercial service. The market for these upgrades presently has an estimated 30,000-40,000 spectrofluorimeters in service. An additional 4,000 individuals or institutions purchase new units each year. The new instrument upgrades will be used in research and development, analytical services, quality control, environmental studies and surveys, and teaching and other applications. EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Gillispie, Greg DAKOTA TECHNOLOGIES INC ND Muralidharan S. Nair Standard Grant 762000 9150 5373 EGCH 9251 9197 9178 9150 0110000 Technology Transfer 0118000 Pollution Control 0110442 September 1, 2001 SBIR Phase II: High Temperature Pressure Transducers from Shape Memory Alloys. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will complete the development of a prototype, cost effective high temperature pressure sensing device that can be integrated into diesel and turbine engines. Phase I results show that it is feasible to use the proposed novel metal alloy as a sensing element in a high temperature pressure transducer. However, further work needs to be performed to optimize the fabrication process of the sensing element, improve the design of the transducer, and to establish the manufacturing process for future production. The project will address five major aspects of developing a novel, high temperature pressure transducer and present a final packaged prototype at the end of the project. These are to develop the sensing element fabrication process, develop the manufacturing process for a 400 degrees C sensor, fabricate the sensor diaphragm, design and fabricate a substrate heater, and to package the sensing element. The firm has already received significant interest from potential manufacturing and commercial partners in the diesel engine and aircraft turbine engine industries. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Snyder, Joseph ORBITAL RESEARCH INC OH Cheryl F. Albus Standard Grant 499999 5373 MANU 9146 1468 0308000 Industrial Technology 0110447 September 1, 2001 STTR Phase II: Magneto-Rheological Fluids for Sensor Actuator Systems. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project will develop advanced magnetorheological fluids for various damping applications. The Phase I project focused on a microwave plasma synthesis technique (NANOGENTM) and chemical precipitation technique; both techniques were successfully used to synthesize nanoparticles of iron, cobalt and iron oxide. NANOGENTM was selected as one of the 100 most innovative technologies in 1998 when it won the prestigious R&D 100 Award. MR fluids were prepared from these fluids and preliminary results on their damping behavior was found to be comparable with commercially available fluids. The Phase II project will scale-up the production of nanopowders and will conduct testing of their damping characteristics to help foster the development and application of MR fluids in key technology driven areas. The possible commercial applications will be in automobile suspensions, hybrid actuator valves, semi-active vibration control in turbines and bridges as well as for seismic damping. SMALL BUSINESS PHASE II IIP ENG Radhakrishnan, R Norman Wereley Materials Modification Inc. VA T. James Rudd Standard Grant 500000 5373 MANU 9147 9146 0110000 Technology Transfer 0110453 August 15, 2001 SBIR Phase II: High Sensitivity Raman Spectrometer. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will design, build, and test a hybrid Raman analyzer suitable for "on-demand" or continuous process monitoring. The Phase I project demonstrated feasibility by designing and testing a unique combination of components that yielded greater than 100 times improvement in sensitivity (defined as the signal-to-noise ratio) compared to traditional Raman analyzers. The novel design also demonstrated high resolution (1 cm -1), invariant wavelength stability, and freedom from fluorescence interference; which are critical requirements for autonomous chemical process monitoring or rapid raw-material identification. The Phase II project will further improve sensitivity, as well as demonstrate long-term temperature and vibrational immunity, and fast "turn-on" time. Complete internal analyzer diagnostics will allow greater than 1000 hours of unattended operation. As such, the analyzer will be rugged, compact and portable (10"x 12" footprint), low-maintenance, require minimum power, and suitable for numerous industrial applications. The commercial applications will be d